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Full Page Portraits and Bioo-raphical Sketches of Prominent 11 



and Representative Citizens of the County, 

TOGETHER WITH 

PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVERNORS OF IOWA, AND 
OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHICAGO: 
CHAPMAN BKOTHEES, 

1887. 



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f E HAVE completed our labors in writing and compiling the Portrait and Bio- 
graphical Album of this county, and wish, in presenting it to our patrons, to speak 
briefly of the importance of local works of this nature. It is certainly the duty 
of the present to commemorate the past, to perpetuate the names of the pioneers, 
to furnish a record of their early settlement, and to relate the story of their progress. 
-I- The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age, and this solemn duty which 
men of tlie present time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity, 
demand that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In local history is found a power 
to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe 
vessel in which the names and actions of the people who contributed to raise this region from its 
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly the noble men, who in their vigor and prime 
came early to the county and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to their 
graves. The number remaining who can relate the history of the first days of settlement is 
becoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity e.xists for the collection and preservation of his- 
torical matter without delay, before the settlers of the wilderness are cut down by time. Not only 
is it of the greatest importance to render history of pioneer times full and accurate, but it is also essen- 
ifS tial that the history of tlie county, from its settlement to the present day, should be treated through its various 
iL> pliascs, so that a record, complete and impartial, may be handed down to the future. The present the age 
i|C of progress, is reviewed, standing out in bold relief over the quiet, unostentatious olden times; it is abrilliant 
I'l record, which is destined to live in the future; the good works of men, their magnificent enterprises, iheii 
ifrg lives, whether commercial or military, do not sink into oblivion, but, on the contrary, grow brighter with age, 
1'^ and contribute to build up a record which carries with it precedents and principles that will be advanced and 
ill observed when the acts of soulless men will be forgotten and their very names hidden in obscurity. 
i:'C In the preparation of the personal sketches contained in this volume, unusual care and pains were 

u* taken to have them accurate, even in the smallest detail. Indeed, nothing was iiassed lightly over or treated 
ijj indifferently; and we flatter ourselves that it is one of the most accurate works of its nature ever published, 
hs As one of the most interesting features of this work, we present the portraits of numerous represent- 

i^S ative citizens. It has been our aim to have the prominent men of to-day, as well as tlie pioneers, represented 
ijfi in this department ; and we congratulate ourselves on the uniformly high character of the gentlemen whose 
1'=; Dortraits we present. They are in the strictest sense representative men, and are selected from all the call- 
l^fi ings and professions worthy to be given. There are others, it is true, who claim equal prominence with 
llj those given; but of course it was impossible for us to give portraits of all the leading men and pioneers 
{ja of the county. We are under great obligation to many of the noble and generous people of this county 
liS for kindly and material assistance in the preparation of this Album. 

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HE Father of our Country was 
born in Westmorland Co., Va., 
Feb. 22, 1732. His parents 
were Augustine and Mary 
(Ball) Washington. The family 
to which he belonged has not 
been satisfactorily traced in 
England. His great-grand- 
father, John Washington, em- 
igrated to Virginia about 1657, 
and became a prosperous 
planter. He had two sons, 
Lawrence and John. The 
former married Mildred Warner 
and had three children, John, 
Augustine and Mildred. Augus- 
tine, the father of George, first 
married Jane Butler, who bore 
him four children, two of whom, 
Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturity. Of six children by his 
second marriage, George was the 
eldest, the others being Betty, 
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles 
and Mildred. 
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died 
,-. : in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his 
i-; eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on 
|r» the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, 
^ ,^l and to George he left the parental residence. George 
^: '-. received only such education as the neighborhood 
; schools afforded, save for a short time after he left 
- school, when he received private instruction in 
mathematics. His spelling was rather defective. 



Remarkable stories are told of his great physical 
strength and development at an early age. He was 
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and 
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- 
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. 
When George was 14 years old hehad a desire to go to 
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, 
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was 
abandoned. Two years later he was appointed 
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In 
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier ftj ft 
life, eainine exoerience which afterwards proved very =M, 



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life, gaining experience 

essential to him. In 175 i, though only 19 years of I jp 
age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of W 
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for ^ 
active service against the French and Indians. Soon 
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother ^v, 
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They Q J 
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence 
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter H 
who did not long survive him. On her demise the 
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. 

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten- ) ^0 
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was " -" ^ 
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- 
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to 
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this 
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- 
cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro- 
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- 
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed 
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, 
and the journey was to be made without military 
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The 



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GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



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trip was a perilous on<i., and several limes he came near 
WW losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished 
iS^ a full and useful reixsrt of his expedition. A regiment 
^ of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in coni- 
j^ mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was 
HJftl commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was 
then begun against the French and Indians, in which 
Washington took a most important part. In the 
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- 
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer 
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock 
were disabled early in the action, and Washington 
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter 
to his brother he says : "I had four bullet.s through 
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped 
unhurt, though death was levelini; my companions 
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was 
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken 
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit 
him. 

.\fter having been five years in the military service, 
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he 
look advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the 
expulsion of the French from the valley of tlie Ohio, 
to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the 
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an 
active and imix)rtant part. January 17, 1759, he 
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy 
widow of John Parke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the port 
of Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces 
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." 
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con- 
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- 
delphia.Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, 
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash- 
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of 
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- 
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the 
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- 
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and 
responsible office was conferred upon Washington, 
who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted 
it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he 
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account 
^.^{ji of expenses and expect Congress to pay them and 
■JhW |i, nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to 
:gjj3 k) trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the 
"^""'fortunes and liberties of the people of this country 
were so long confided. The war was conducted by 
u ES'-a '^'"^ under every possible disadvantage, and while his 
Safe's forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every 
■bKW obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion 
iHHlHand matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest 
' nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in 
a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his 



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commission as commander-in-chief of the army to 
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He 
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all 
connection with public life. 

In February, 1 7 89, Washington was unanimously 
elected President. In his presidential career he was 
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new 
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part 
of other governments ; trials from want of harmony 
between the different sections of our own country; 
trials from the impoverished condition of the country, 
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the 
beginnings of party strife. He was no [jartisan. His 
clear judgment could discern the golden mean ; and 
while perhaps this alone kept our government from 
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to 
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and 
very annoying. 

At the expiration of his first term he was unani- 
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many 
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely 
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March, 
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- 
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there 
his few remaining years free from the annoyances of 
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose 
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. 
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the armies. He chose his sub- 
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his 
home. In accepting the command he made the 
reservation that he was not to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations 
his life was suddenly cut off. December 12, he took 
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling 
in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated 
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- 
teenth his body was borne with military honors to its 
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at 
Mount Vernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible to 
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- 
miration. The more we see of the operations of 
our government, and the more deeply we feel the 
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, 
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- 
ent and character, which have been able to challenge 
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na- 
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits 
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will 
be as lasting as the existence of man. 

The person of Washington was unusally tan; erect 
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was 
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry. 
He commanded respect without any appearance of 
haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull. 



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OHN ADAMS, the second 
President and the first Vice- 
President of the United States, 
was born in Braintree ( now 
Quincy ),Mass., and about ten 
"^ miles from Boston, Oct. 19, 
1735. His great-grandfather, Henry 
Adams, emigrated from England 
about 1640, with a family of eight 
sons, and settled at Braintree. The 
parents of John were John and 
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His 
father was a farmer of limited 
means, to which he added the bus- 
iness of shoemaking. He gave his 
eldest son, John, a classical educa- 
tion at Harvard College. John 
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the 
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a 
"school of affliction," from which he endeavored to 
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the 
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He 
had thought seriously of the clerical profession 
but seems to have been turned from this by what he 
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- 
cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,'' 
of the operations of which he had been a witness in 
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal 
profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being 
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- 
tive jxjwers. He gradually gained practice, and in 
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, 
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- 
tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial 
steps toward holding a town meeting, and the resolu- 



tions he offered on the subject became very popular 
throughout the Province, and were adopted word for 
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- 
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous 
and prominent advocates of the popular cause, and 
was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- 
lislature) in 1770. 

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates 
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, 
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himself 
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- 
vocated the movement for independence against the 
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved 
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies 
should assume the duties of self-government. He 
was a prominent member of the committee of five 
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence.- This article was drawn by Jefferson, but 
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through 
Congress in a three days debate. 

On the day after the Declaration of Independence 
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the 
glow of e.xcited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife, 
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated 
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the 
greatest question was decided that ever was debated 
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or will 
be decided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- 
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of 
July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history 
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated 
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary 
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of 
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty 
God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, show* 



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JOHN ADAMS. 



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games, sixjrts, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations 
from one end of the continent to the other, from this 
time forward for ever. You will think me transported 
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of 
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to 
maintain this declaration, and supix)rt and defend 
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the 
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is 
worth more than all the means; and that posterity 
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I 
hope we shall not."' 

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a 
delegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin 
Franklin and Artliur Lee, who were then in Paris, in 
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money 
from the French Government. This was a severe trial 
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, 
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- 
posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- 
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
1779. In September of the same year he was again 
chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- 
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce 
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet 
might be found willing to listen to such proposels. He 
sailed for France in November, from there he went to 
Holland, where he negotiated imix)rtant loans and 
formed important commercial treaties. 

Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed 
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, 
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed 
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con- 
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he 
was advised to go to England to drink the waters of 
Bath. While in England, still drooping anddespond- 
ing, he received dispatches from his own government 
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was 
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through 
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,he made the trip. 

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams 
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face 
to face the King of England, who had so long re- 
garded him as a traitor. As England did not 
condescend to appoint a minister to the United 
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom- 
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to 
his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. 

When Washington was first chosen President, John 
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at 
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again 
at the second election of Washington as President, 
.^dams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash- 
:n ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was 
elected President,though not without much opposition. 
Serving in this office four years, he was succeeded by 
-^^P '^ Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 
tfl^ While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great 



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French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, " 
and it was uix)n this point which he was at issue with ' 
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. : 
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people - 
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their ; 
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the ; 
classof atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. . 
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or- 5 
iginated the alienation between these distinguished ; 
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ- ? \ 
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies ;: 
were with England and Jefferson led the other in j > 
sympathy with France. j h 

The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more 3 ft 
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the ; |i 
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling : , 
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just : 
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till '-_ • 
after death. No one could look upon his venerable : \. 
form, and think of what he had done and suffered, : | 
and how he had given up all the prime and strenjjth : V; 
of his life to the public good, without the deepest : 
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar '-_ 
good fortune to witness the complete success of the ; 
institution which he had been so acrive in creating and 
supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled 
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest 
station in the gift of the people. Bj; 

The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half gj: 
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- : 
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the g; 
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the f: 
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is a 
well known, on that day two of these finished their : 
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as : 
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. ; 
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning i 
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from : 
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the ; 
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- », 
DEPENDENCE FOREVER." When the day was ushered ; 
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, 3;{j 
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew : }! 
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- ; 
ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all." \ 
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and 5 
glorious day." The last words he uttered were, : 
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- = 
signed his spirit into the hands of his God. : 

The personal appearance and manners of Mr. 3 
.■\dams were not particularly prepossessing. His face, g 
as his portrait manifests.was intellectual and expres- :;t 
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his = 1 
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. ; J 
He had neither the lofty' dignity of Washington, nor =^i 
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked 3^} 
the manners and address of Jefferson. 3j: } 

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HOMAS JEFFERSON was 

born April 2, 1743, at Shad- 

pwell, Albermarle county, Va. 

His [larents were Peter and 
Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson, 
the former a native of Wales, 
and the latter born in Lon- 
don. To them were born six 
daughters and two sons, of 
whom Thomas was the elder. 
When 14 years of age his 
father died. He received a 
most liberal education, hav- 
ing been kept diligently at school 
from the time he was five years of 
age. In 1760 he entered William 
[ pE and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat 
J j| of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion 
J^a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 
J ;t years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine 
';« horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he 
^t was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha- 
I able in his morals. It is strange, however, under 
J such influences,that he was not ruined. In the sec- 
: ond year of his college course, moved by some un- 
|g explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, 
^E society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had 
['-C previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen 
c.; hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex- 
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out 
i of the city and back again. He thus attained very 
I high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- 
p phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and 
Is Greek authors he read with facility. A mor€ finished 
_ «;holar has seldom gone forth from college halls ; and 



there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a 
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. 

Immediately ujwn leaving college he began the 
study of law. For the short time he continued in the 
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin- 
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a 
lawyer. But the times called for greater action. 
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of 
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged 
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led 
him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen 
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- 
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow. 

Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there 
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which 
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and 
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new 
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet 
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon, 
became the most distinguished resort in our land. 

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, 
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed upon a number of important committees, 
and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw- 
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com- 
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, 
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Shennan and Robert R. 
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed 
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested 
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- 
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made 
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 
4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that 



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28 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



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man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — 
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec- 
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of 
America, was also to publish her to the world, free, 
soverign and independent. It is one of the most re- 
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort 
of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be 
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. 

In 1779 iVlr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time 
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to 
Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five 
minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef- 
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- 
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never 
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and 
in the summer of 1782 she died. 

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
Two years later he was appointed Minister Pleni[X)- 
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States 
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State 
in Washington's cabinet. This ix)sition he resigned 
Jan. I, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- 
dent, and four years later was elected President over 
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, 
and George Clinton, Vice President. 

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- 
tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the 
tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con- 
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election 
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled 
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a 
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our 
southwestern frontier, for the purjwse of forming there 
a new republic. This has been generally supposed 
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been 
generally known what his real plans were, there is no 
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous 
character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for 
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined 
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly 
forty years, he had been continually before the pub- 
lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of 
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de- 
voted the best part of his life to the service of his 
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his 
I declining years required, and upon the organization of 
:} the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- 
a well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. 

Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole 
families came in their coaches with their horses, — 
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and 
nurses, — and remained three and even six months. 
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a 
fashionable watering-place. 

The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- 




sary of the Declaration of American Independence, 
great preparations were made in every part of the ; 
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and ~ 
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity ^ 
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer, ; 
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- : 
tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- : 
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and f 
had been continually increasing, compelled him to 
decline the invitation. 

On the second of July, the disease under which " 
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced : 
state that his medical attendants, entertained no 
hope of his recover)'. From this time he was perfectly ; 
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the ne.\t - 
day, which was Monday, he asked of those around : 
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was ; 
the third of July, he expresjed the earnest wish that ; 
he might be permitted lo breathe the airof the fiftieth - 
anniversar)'. His prayer was heard — that day, whose : 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, - 
burst ujxjn his eyes, and then they were closed for- ; 
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble ■ 
life ! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - : 
the day which his own name and his own act had 
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and 
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, 
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, 
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. - 

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- : 
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. 
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of 
freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- 
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and 
animated their desponding countrj-men; for half a 
century they had labored together for the good of 
the country; and now hand in hand they depart. 
In their lives they had been united in the same great 
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not 
divided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather ; 
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes ; 
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became 
white and silver)'; his complexion was fair, his fore- " 
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and : 
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as :" 
well as personal courage ; and his command of tem- : 
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends :; 
never recollected to have seen him in a passion. .- 
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- : 
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that 
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- 
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; and 
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings i- 
discernable the care with which he fomied his stvk- 
upon the best models of antiquity. 



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AMES MADISON, "Father 
of the Constitution," and fourth 
pPresident of the United States, 
was born March i6, 1757, and 
died at his home in Virginia, 
"•^ June 28, 1836. The name of 
James Madison is inseparably con- 
nected with most of the imixjrtant 
events in that heroic period of our 
country during which the founda- 
tions of this great republic were 
laid. He was the last of the founders 
of the Constitution of the United 
States to be called to his eternal 
reward. 

The Madison family were among 
the early emigrants to the New World, 
landing upon the shores of the Chesa- 
])eake but 15 years after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The father of 
James Madison was an opulent 
planter, residing upon a very fine es- 
tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co., 
Va. The mansion was situated in 
the midst of scenery highly pictur- 
esque and romantic, on the west side 
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of 
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of 
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and 
political attachment existed between these illustrious 
men, from their early youth until death. 

The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted 
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 
18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. 
Here he applied himself to study with the most im- 



prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three 
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so 
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor 
of constitution. He graduated in 177 i, with a feeble 
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a 
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning 
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsf ' 
quent career. 

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of 
law and a course of e.xtensive and systematic reading. 
This educational course, the spirit of the times in 
which he lived, and the society with which he asso- 
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong 
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of 
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of 
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that 
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten- 
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mnid 
singulariy free from passion and prejudice, and with 
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed 
all the arguments for and against revealed religion, 
until his faith became so established as never to 
be shaken. 

In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he 
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to 
frame the constitution of the State. The next year 
{1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly. 
He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and 
consequently lost his election;, but those who had 
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the 
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, 
and he was appointed to the Executive Council. 

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained 
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his 



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JAaMES MADISON. 



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intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not 
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental 
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in 
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of 
the most conspicuous positions among them. 

For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and influential members. 
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na- 
tional government, with no power to form treaties 
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There 
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in 
the declaration, that an efficient national government 
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison 
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of 
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis- 
sioners to meet in convention at Anna{X)lis to discuss 
this subject. Five States only were represented. The 
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up 
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft 
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place 
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at 
the time apixsinted. Every State but Rhode Island 
was represented. George Washington was chosen 
president of the convention; and the present Consti- 
tution of the United States was then and there formed. 
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac- 
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind 
and the pen of James Madison. 

The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was 
to be presented to the several States for acceptance. 
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected 
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent 
States, with but little power at home and little respect 
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven- 
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United 
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution, 
and urging its adoption. There was great opjxDsition 
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and 
went into effect in 1789. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the 
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in 
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a 
ii young widow of remarkable power of fascination, 
:J whom he married. She was in person and character 
d queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied 
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society 
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs. 
g Madison. 

Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under 
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration 
y was chosen President. At this time the encroach- 
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. 





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British orders in council destroyed our commerce, and \ 
our flag was exjx)sed to constant insult. Mr. Madison ■ 
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring ; 
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the : 
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood : k" 
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought ; ^ 
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. S 
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the a^^ 
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- 3: 
ance he selects any number whom he may please to I^ 
designate as British subjects ; orders them down the 3 
ship's side into his boat ; and places them on the gun- ;: 
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the 3; 
battles of England. This right of search and im- ;: 
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce ; 
the British cabinet to relinquish. \' 

On the 1 8th of June, 181 2, President Madison gave ;: 
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war S.^ 
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter;;;'' 
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country 
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th 
of March, 1813, was re-elected by a large majority, 
and entered wyow his second term of office. This is 
not the place to describe the various adventures of 
this war on the land and on the water. Our infant 
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- 
pling with the most formidable power which ever « 
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest ; 
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February, ; 
1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole ; 
coast of the United States under blockade. \ 

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me ; 
ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit- ; 
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks 31 
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa- 
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens- 
burg, upon Washington. 

The straggling little city of Washington was thrown 
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict 
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the 
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city. 
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White 
House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to 
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers 
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, 
and he could not go back without danger of being 
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential 
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in 
Washington were in flames. 

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on g£ } 
Feb. 13, 18 15, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. ^ 

On the 4th of March, 18 17, his second term of 
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair 
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau- 
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re- 
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the 
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- 
son died July 12, 1849. 



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FIFTir PRESIDENT. 



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AMES MONROE, the fifth 
President of The United States, 
was born in Westmoreland Co., 
Va., April 28, 1758. His early 
life was passed at the place of 
nativity. His ancestors had for 
many years resided in the prov- 
ince in which he was born. When, 
at 17 years of age, in the process 
of completing his education at 
William and Mary College, the Co- 
lonial Congress assembled at Phila- 
delphia to deliberate upon the un- 
just and manifold oppressions of 
Great Britian, declared the separa- 
tion of the Colonies, and promul- 
gated the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly 
probable that he would have been one of the signers 
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left 
school and enlisted among the patriots. 

He joined the army when everything looked hope- 
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased 
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring 
in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the 
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, 
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- 
tending with an enemy whom they had been taught 
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James 
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through 
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their 
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the 
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country, 
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife 




priQES n]oi]ROE. 



for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel- 
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White 
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled 
before its foes through New Jersey. In four months 
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots 
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of 
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- 
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left 
shoulder. 

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was ]jro- 
moted a cai^tain of infantry ; and, having recovered 
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, 
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an 
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- 
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy- 
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued 
aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his 
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a 
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed 
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon 
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at 
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable 
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, 
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; 
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun- 
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. 

In 1782, he was elected from King George county, 
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that 
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive 
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence 
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having 
at this eady period displayed some of that ability 
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards 
employed with unremitting energy for the public good. 



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he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of 
the Congress of the United States. 

Deeply as Mr. Monroe feh the imperfections of the old 
l!onfederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, 
Ihinking, with many others of the Republican party, 
that it gave too much power to the Central Government, 
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- 
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm 
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition 
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member 
of the United States Senate ; which office he held for 
four years. Every month the line of distinction be- 
tween the two great parties which divided the nation, 
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more 
distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep- 
arated them were, that the Republican party was in 
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a 
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the 
Central Government as little power, and the State 
Governments as much ix)wer, as the Constitution would 
warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England, 
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to the 
Central Government as that document could possibly 
authorize. 

The leading Federalists and Republicans were 
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the 
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more 
])ure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and 
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In 
building up this majestic nation, which is destined 
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- 
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the 
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de- 
nounced as almost a demon. 

Washington was then President. England had es- 
poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi- 
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn 
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. 
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- 
tween these contending powers. France had helped 
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms 
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French 
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse 
than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more 
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in 
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous 
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres- 
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in 
magnanimity. 

Washington, who could appreciate such a character, 
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, 
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- 
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister 
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention 
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. 



Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Men- i 
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the \ 
office for three years. He was again sent to France to \ 
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining ■ 
the vast territory then known as the Province of: 
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob- : 
tained from Spain. Their united efforts were sue- • 
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen : 
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and : 
district of Louisiana were added to the LTnited States. : 
This was probably the largest transfer of real estate- 
which was ever made in all the history of the world. ■ 

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- : 
tain from that country some recognition of our : 
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those ; 
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng- f 
land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng- ; 
land on the same mission, but could receive no : 
redress. He returned to his home and was again ■ 
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned • 
to accept the position of Secretary of State under ■ 
Madison. While in this office war with England was : 
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during : 
these trying times, the duties of the War Department ■ 
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor- ■ 
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient : 
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of : 
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- \ 
tinned in the office of Secretary of State until the ex- ; 
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec- ! 
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had : 
been chosen President with but little opposition, and \ 
upon March 4, 18(7, was inaugurated. Four years ; 
later he was elected for a second term. ■ 

Among the important measures of his Presidency i 
were the cession of Florida to the United States; the : 
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'' ! 

This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe : 
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that \ 
time the United States had recognized the independ- : 
ence of the South American states, and did not wish : 
to have European jxjwers longer attempting to sub- ■ 
due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine ■ 
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt : 
on the part of European powers to extend their sys- : 
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous : 
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not ; 
view any interposition for the purjxjse of oppressing ■ 
or controlling American governments or provinces in : 
any other light than as a manifestation by European : 
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United ■ 
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course : 
of foreign governments, and has become the approved : 
sentiment of the United States. : 

At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired : 
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, ■ 
when he went to New Vork to live with his son-in- ; 
law. In that city he died,on the 4th of July, 1831. : 




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SIXTH PRESIDENT. 




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OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the 
sixth President of the United 
States, was born in the rural 
home of his honored father, 
John Adams, in Qaincy, Mass., 
on the I ith cf July, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted 




'- worth, watched over his childhood 
during the almost constant ab- 
sence of his father. When but 
eight years of age, he stood with 
his mother on an eminence, listen- 
ing to the booming of the great bat- 
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on 
upon the smoke and flames billow- 
ing up from the conflagration of 
Charlestown. 

When but eleven years old he 
took a tearful adieu of his mother, 
to sail with his father for Europe, 
through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, 
animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where 
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as 
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted 
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received 
from them flattering marks of attention. 

Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this 
countr)', in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again 
John Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he 
applied himself with great diligence, for six months, 
to study; then accompained his father to Holland, 
where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, then 
the University at Leyden. About a year from this 
time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fourteen 
years of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- 
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretar}-. 

In this school of incessant lator and of enobling 
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned 
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and 
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the 
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed 
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence, 



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in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father to 
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance 
with the most distinguished men on the Continent; 
examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings, 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again 
became associated with the most illustrious men of 
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal 
themes which can engross the human mind. After 
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and 
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, 
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young 
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, 
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a 
residence with his father in London, under such cir- 
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive ; 
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre- 
ferred to return to America to complete his education 
in an American college. He wished then to study 
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be 
able to obtain an independent support. 

L'pon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty, 
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be- 
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap- 
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the 
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached 
London in October, where he was immediately admit- 
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, 
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with 
Great Brilian. After thus spending a fortnight in 
London, he proceeded to the Hague. 

In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as 
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal, 
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches 
directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting 
him to remain in London until he should receive his 
instructions. While waiting he was married to an 
American lady to whom he had been previously en- 
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter 
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in London; 
a ladv endownd with that bea\ity and those accom- 
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in the 
elevated sphere for which she was destined. 









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7C>/irA^ QUINCY ADAMS. 



He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; 
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful- 
filled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his 
recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to 
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then 
was elected Senator of the United States for six years, 
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his 
ability and his experience, placed him immediately 
among the most prominent and influential members 
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern- 
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach- 
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in- 
ll suiting our flag. Tiiere was no man in America more 
y familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon 
these points, and no one more resolved to present 
a firm resistance. 

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres- 
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John 
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign- 
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked 
at Boston, in August, 1809. 

W^hile in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu- 
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and 
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the 
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to 
^^ the climate and astronomical observations ; while he 
rjl kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and 
^^ , Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a 
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. 
All through life the Bible constituted an important 
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five 
chapters every day. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the 
„.:.-. Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr. 
1! '; ' [1 : Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- 
ils^r erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he 
sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the 
1 8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his 
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon- 
roe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary 
of State. 

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second 
term of office, new candidates began to be presented 
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought 
forward his name. It was an e.xciting campaign. 
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and 
S sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re- 
1 1 ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy .^dams, eighty-four; 
jy William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty- 
seven. As there was no choice by the people, the 
(luestion went to the House of Representatives. Mr. 
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and 
he was elected. 

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now 

ycombined in a venomous and persistent assault upon 

Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in 

the past historv of our country than the abuse which 

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was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this 
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was 
an administration more pure in principles, more con- 
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun- 
try, than that of John Quincy Adams ; and never, per- 
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu- 
lously and outrageously assailed. 

Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- 
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising 
early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in 
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast, 
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said 
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his 
own fire and applying himself to work in his library 
often long before dawn. 

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew 
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi- 
dent. The slavery question now began to assume 
portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to 
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un- 
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re- 
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was 
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen 
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre- 
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to 
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of 
"the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in 
the House, he announced that he should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a 
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually 
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to 
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could 
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The 
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against 
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime 
in Us moral daring and heroism. For persisting in 
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he 
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, 
with expulsion from the House, with assassination ; 
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final 
triumph was complete. 

It has been said of President Adams, that when his 
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of 
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little 
child, he was accustomed to repeat ever)' night, before 
he slept, the pra)er which his mother tauglit him in 
his infant years. 

On the 2 1 St of Februar)', 1848, he rose on the floor 
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the 
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly- 
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. 
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to 
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- 
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and 
said " This is the end of earth .-"then after a moment's 
pause he added, " I am content." These were the 
last words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent." 



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NDREW JACKSON, the 
seventh President of the 
j* United States, was born in 
Waxhaw settlement, N. C, 
March 15, 1767, a few days 
after his father's death. His 
parents were poor emigrants 
from Ireland, and took up 
their abode in Waxhaw set- 
tlement, where they lived in 
deepest poverty. 
Andrew, or Andy, as he was 
universally called, grew up a very 
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, his form un- 
gainly; and there was but very 
little in his character, made visible, which was at- 
tractive. 

When only thirteen years old he joined the volun- 
}|c teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 
1781, he and his brother Robert were captured and 
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer 
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am 
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of 
the dauntless boy. 

The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate 
blow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. 
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- 
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the 
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert 
with the same demand. He also refused, and re- 
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite 
diiabled him, and which probably soon after caused 
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and 
were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their 



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mother was successful in obtaining their exchange 



and took her sick boys home. After a long illness 
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon 
left him entirely friendless. 

Andrew supported himself in various ways, such as 
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and 
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he 
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, 
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the 
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed 
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of 
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved 
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of |p;H] 
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, ' f^rS 
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish 
with the Sharp Knife. 

In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who 
supposed herself divorced from her former husband. 
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, 
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been 

definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage 

ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- k i- 



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rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. 
Jackson into disfavor. 

During these years he worked hard at his profes- 
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, 
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- 
ially disgraceful. 

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then 
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the 
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con- 
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven 
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. 
The new State was entitled to but one member in 
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack- 
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he 
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its 



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ANDREW JACKSON. 



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sessions, — a distance of about eight hundred miles. 

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired 
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. 
Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose 
second term of office was then expiring, delivered his 
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a 
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson 
did not approve of the address, and was one of the 
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to 
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been 
" wise, firm and patriotic." 

Mr. Jackson was elected to tlie United .Stats.s 
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. 
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court 
of his State, which position he held for si.x years. 

When the war of 181 2 with Great Britian com- 
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. 
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was 
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who 
would do credit to a commission if one were con- 
ferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson 
offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred 
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops 
were assembled at Nashville. 

As the British were hourly expected to make an at- 
tack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was 
in command, he was ordered to descend the river 
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The 
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev- 
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, 
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the 
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire 
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him 
golden opinions ; and he became the most popular 
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his 
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory." 

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. 
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman 
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in 
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, 
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was 
lingering u[xin a bed of suffering news came that the 
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from 
Florida to the Lakes, to extenninate the white set- 
tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- 
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with 
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in 
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- 
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an 
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama. 

The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on 
one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, near the cen- 
ter of .\labama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. 
With an army of two thousand men. Gen. Jackson 
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven 
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or 
Horse-shoe, on the jyth of March. 1814. The bend 



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of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of 
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow 
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast- i 
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, 
with an ample suply of arras were assembled. 

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des-J^ 
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When': 
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en-: 
deavored to spare tlieir lives. From ten in the morn-: 
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was ■ 
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the ^ 
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as" 
they swam. Nearly ever)-one of the nine hundred war- ; 
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam ; 
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The 
jx)wer of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold 
plunge into the wilderness, with itsterriffic slaughter, : 
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants - 
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace. [ 

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- : 
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the - 
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will :; 
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian : 
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he : 
was appointed major-general. 

Late in .\ugust, with an army of two thousand : 
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to I- 
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed : 
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, : 
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious : 
assault. The battle was long and doubtful. At length ; 
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. : 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little : 
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, : 
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, '. 
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won -_ 
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his : 
troops, which numbered about four thousand men, r 
won a signal victory over the British army of about : 
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the ; 
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. " 

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men- : 
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824, : 
he was defeated by Mr. .\dams. He was, however, ; 
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected l 
for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he : 
assumed the reins of the government, he met with : 
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of 
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has 
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of ;. 
her death he never recovered. - 

His administration was one of the most memorable 
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, 
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter 
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his 
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage where 
he died June 8, 1845. The last years_of_ Mr. Jack- | 



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of a devoted Christian man, 

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ARTIN VAN BUREN, the 

eighth President of the 

United States, was born at 

Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 

17S2. He died at the same 

place, July 24, 1862. His 

body rests in the cemetery 

at Kinderhook. Above it is 

a plain granite shaft fifteen feet 

high, bearing a simple inscription 

about half way up on one face. 

Tlie lot is unfenced, unbordered 

or unbounded by shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren 
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged 
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in 
ix)litical and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many 
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those 
incidents which give zest to biography. His an- 
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, 
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland 
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, 
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, 
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligence and exemplary piety. 

He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- 
^; usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the 
;it age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies 
S in his native village, and commenced the study of 
^ law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven 
'B years of study in a law-office were required of him 
; ; before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with 
vj a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur- 
:;*; sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After 
5 spending six years in an office in his native village, 






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he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his 
studies for the seventh year. 

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of 
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- 
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and 
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van 
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had, 
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the 
many discussions which had been carried on in his 
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with 
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the 
cause of State Rights ; though at that time the Fed- 
eral party held the supremacy both in his town 
and State. 

His success and increasing ruputation led hhn, 
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, the 
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years, 
constantly gaining strength by contending in the 
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned 
the bar of his State. 

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump- 
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over 
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was 
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record 
of those years is barren in items of public interest. 
In 181 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to 
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to 
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 18x5, he was ap- 
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved 
to Albany, the capital of the State. 

While he was acknowledged as one of the most 
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 



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the moral courage to avow that true democracy did 
not require that " universal suffrage" which admits 
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of 
governing the State. In true consistency with his 
democratic principles, he contended that, while the 
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open 
to every man without distinction, no one should be 
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were 
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue 
and some property interests in the welfare of the 
State. 

In 182 1 he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat 
in the convention to revise the constitution of his 
native State. His course in this convention secured 
the approval of men of all parties. No one could 
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the 
interests of all classes in the community. In the 
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a 
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. 

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to 
the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- 
termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the 
"State Rights" view in opposition to what was 
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof 
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his 
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United 
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. 
.\dams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it 
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether 
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- 
garded throughout the United States as one of the 
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. 
It was supjx)sed that no one knew so well as he how 
to touch the secret springs of action; how to pull all 
the wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to 
organize a political army which would, secretly and 
stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By 
these powers it is said that he outvritted Mr. Adams, 
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which 
few thought then could be accomplished. 

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he 
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This 
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately 
appointed Minister to England, where he went the 
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, 
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned 



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home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice 5 
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election ^ 
of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and ^ 
frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that ' 
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination j 
as ambassador. 

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of 3 
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- « 
ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause, 3 
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu- a 
tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- 2 
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. 3 
Jackson as President of the United States. He was a 
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the ^[ 
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the ^J 
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van S* 
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. 
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred 
upon him the power to appoint a successor." 

His administration was filled with exciting events. 
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in- 
volve this country in war with England, the agitation 
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- 
cial panic which spread over the country, all were 
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- 
tributed to the management of the Democratic party, 
and brought the President into such disfavor that he 
failed of re-election. 

With the exception of being nominated for the 
Presidency by the " Free Soil " Democrats, in 1 848, 
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until 
his death. 

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, 
and living within his income, had now fortunately a 
competence for his declining years. His unblemished 
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned 
patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he 
had occupied in the government of our country, se- 
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but 
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from 
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald^ 
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics SHi 
of the country. From this time until his death, on 3j\ 
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he : 
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of 2 
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old ;,:} 
age, probably far more happiness than he had before S;} 
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life, a i 



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ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- 
SON, the ninth President of 
the United States, was born 
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. 
His father, Benjamin Harri- 
son, was in comparatively op- 
ulent circumstances, and was 
one of the most distinguished 
men of his day. He was an 
intimate friend of George 
Washington, was early elected 
a member of the Continental 
Congress, and was conspicuous 
among the patriots of Virginia in 
resisting the encroachments of the 
British crown. In the celebrated 
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- 
rison and John Hancock were 
both candidates for the office of 
speaker. 

Mr Harrison was subsequently 
chosen Governor of Virginia, and 
was twice re-elected. His son, 
William Henry, of course enjoyed 
i in childhood all the advantages which wealth and 
i intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- 
I ing received a thorough common-school education, he 
'c entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated 
with honor soon after the death of his father. He 



1-12 



then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under 
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of 
Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- 
withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he 
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, 
having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- 



dent Washington. He was then but ig years old. 
From that 'time he passed gradually upward in rank 
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose 
death he resigned his commission. He was then ap- 
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This 
Territory was then entitled to but one member in 
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that 
IX)sition. 

In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory 
was divided by Congress into two portions. The 
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced 
in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory 
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which 
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and 
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap- 
pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of 
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as 
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He 
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- 
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now 
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and 
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible 
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four 
times appointed to this office — first by John Adams, 
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi- 
dent Madison. 

When he began his adminstration there were but 
three white settlements in that almost boundless region, 
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the 
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements 
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at 
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French 
settlement. 

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison, 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About 




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WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



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the year 1806, two extraordinary iner, twin brothers, 
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of 
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching 
Panther;" the other, OUiwacheca, or " The Prophet." 
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man 
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- 
able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might 
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, 
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred 
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- 
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was 
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored 
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which 
they dwelt. 

But the Prophet was not merely an orator : he was, 
in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested 
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a 
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter 
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went 
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent 
by the Great Spirit. 

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate 
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe- 
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. 
October 28, 1812, his army began its inarch. When 
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made 
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was 
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a 
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- 
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. 

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with 
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes- 
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- 
campment, he took every precaution against surprise 
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept 
upon their arms. 

The troops threw themselves upon the ground for 
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his 
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The 
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in 
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- 
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It 
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In 
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- 
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all 
the desperation which superstition and passion most 
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
little army. The savages had been amply provided 
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their 
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the 
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- 
ous yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doiibtiiig a 
sjieedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's 
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them 
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous 
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- 
fore them, and completely routing the foe. 




Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmost. The British descending from the Can- 
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but 
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the 
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- 
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier 
was plunged into a state of consternation which even 
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive, 
I'lie war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the 
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra- 
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made 
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. 
Under these despairing circumstances. Gov. Harrison 
was appointed by President Madison commander-in- 
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake 
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers. 

It would be difficult to place a man in a situation 
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but 
(ieneral Harrison was found equal to the position, 
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re- 
sponsibilities. 

He won the love of liis soldiers by always sharing 
witii them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while 
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a 
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket 
lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers, 
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle. 
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted 
before the fire, without bread or salt. 

In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of 
the National House of Representatives, to represent 
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an 
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with 
force of reason and power of eloquence, wliich arrested 
the attention of all the members. 

In i8ig, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the i)residential electors 
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The 
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate. 

In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him 
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against 
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of 
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his 
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated 
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency. 
The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave 
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but 
his triumph was signal. 

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster 
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most 
brilliant with which any President had ever been 
surrounded. Never were the ]uospects of an admin- 
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country 
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and 
joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a 
pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick- 
ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after 
his inauguration as President of the United States. 



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TENTH PRESIDENT. 



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OHN TYLER, the tenth 
Presidentof the United States. 
He was born in Charles-city 
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He 
was the favored child of af- 
fluence and high social po- 
sition. At the early age of 
twelve, John entered William 
and Mary College and grad- 
uated with much honor when 
but seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted liim- 
self with great assiduity to the 
study of law, partly with his 
father and partly with Edmund 
Randolph, one of the most distin- 
guished lawyers of Virginia. 

At nineteen years of age, ne 
commenced the practice of law. 
His success was rapid and aston- 
ishing. It is said that three 
months had not elapsed ere there 
was scarcely a case on the dock- 
I et of the court in which he was 

not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he 
}5S was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State 
I Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
ns cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of 
g Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he 
B was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the 
i unanimous vote or his county. 

t When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected 
\ a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and 




: ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national 



|C bank, internal improvements by the General Govem- 



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ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict con- 
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful 
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress 
were so arduous that before the close of his second 
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his 
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the 
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful 
in promoting public works of great utility. With a 
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen 
by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his 
native State. His administration was signally a suc- 
cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election. 

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the 
United States. A portion of the Democratic party 
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, 
and brought; forward John Tyler as his opponent, 
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient 
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of 
Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor. 

In accordance \vith his professions, upon taking his 
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi- 
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and 
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- 
uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist- 
ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen- 
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. 
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. 
Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had 
abandoned the principles of the Democratic party. 
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record 
in perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had always avowed. 

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of 
his profession. There was a split in the Democratic 







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party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- 
fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli- 
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of 
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- 
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- 
vate atfairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was 
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice 
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- 
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, 
for the better education of his children ; and he again 
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national 
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 
1839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- 
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of 
the .South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- 
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the 
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- 
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- 
thy with the Whig party in the North : but the Vice 
President has but very little power in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- 
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- 
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a 
Democratic Vice President were chosen. 

In r84i, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- 
dent of the United States. In one short month from 
that time. President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler 
thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of 
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential 
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our 
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our 
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler 
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the 
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri- 
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of 
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible 
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding 
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been 
opposed to the main principles of the party vifhich had 
brought him into power. He had ever been a con- 
sistent, honest man, ^\'\^.\\ an unblemished record. 
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should 
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- 
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own.'' or, 
on the other hand, should he turn against the party 
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- 
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those 
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- 
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in- 
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had 
selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a 
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and 
bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the 
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. 
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with 
his veto. He suggested, however, that he would 

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approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he 
pro|X)sed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and 
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. 
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back 
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. 
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- 
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. 
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely 
touched the pride of the President. 

The opposition now exultingly received the Presi- 
dent into their arms. The party which elected him 
denounced him bitterly. AH the members of his 
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs 
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a 
meeting and issued an address to the people of the 
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance 
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at 
an end. 

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabmet of distinguished Whigs and 
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party 
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, 
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus 
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- 
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The 
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs 
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, 
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his 
old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term, 
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. 
Polk, the Democratie candidate for his successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the 
harassments of office, tothe regret of neither party, and 
probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife, 
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; 
and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married, 
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of 
many personal and intellectual accomplishments. 

The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly 
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For- 
est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in 
his manners, richly furnished with mformation from 
books and experience in the world, and possessing 
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was 
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient 
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he 
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few 
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the 
storms of civil war which his own principles and 
policy had helped to introduce. 

When the great Reliellion rose, which the State- 
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal- 
houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his 
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed- 
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; 
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by 
force of arms, the Government over which he had 
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. 










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AMES K. POLK, the eleventh 
r^President of the United States, 
was born in Mecklenburg Co., 
N. C.,Nov. 2, 1795. His par- 
T^j ents were Samuel and Jane 
(Knox) Polk, the former a son 
s of Col. Thomas Polk, who located 
at the above place, as one of the 
first pioneers, in 1735. 
'' In the year i3o6, with his wife 

and children, and soon after fol- 
lowed by most of the members of 
the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi- 
grated some two or three hundred 
miles farther west, to the rich valley 
of the Duck River. Here in the 
midst of the wilderness, in a region 
which was subsequently called Mau- 
ry Co., they reared their log huts, 
and established their homes. In the 
hard toil of a new farm in the wil- 
derness, James K. Polk spent the 
early years of his childhood and 
youth. His father, adding the pur- 
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, 
' gradually increased in -wealth until 

he became one of the leading men of the region. His 
mother was a superior woman, of strong common 
sense and earnest piety. 

Very early in life, James developed a taste for 
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain 
a liberal education. His mother's training had made 
him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- 
uality and industry, and had inspired liim with lofty 
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his 
father, fearing that he migiit not be able to endure a 



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sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the 
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. 

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He 
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks 
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this 
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his 
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made 
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon 
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. AVith 
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed 
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half 
years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore 
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of 
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing 
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious 
service. 

He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be- 
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in 
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty- 
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this 
time much impaired by the assiduity with wliich he 
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of 
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the 
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk 
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who 
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few 
miles from Nashville. They had probably been 
slightly acquainted before. 

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican, 
and James K. Polk ever adhered to tlie same politi- 
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was 
constantly called ui)on to address the meetings of his 
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that 
he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump. 
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and 



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courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic 
nature in the joj s and griefs of others which ever gave 
hiui troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected 
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his 
strong influence towards the election of his friend, 
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States. 
In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was 
^pS, altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- 
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a 
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave 
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that 
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- 
" tinned in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, 
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair 
of Teimessee. In Congress he was a laborious 
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was 
always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever 
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any 
ambitious rhetorical display, 
j During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was 
f^. Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused, 
'^ and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr^ Polk per- 
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- 
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was 
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of 
March, 1839. 

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a 
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was 
elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo- 
ber, 1839, took tlie oath of office at Nashville. In 1841, 
his term of office expired, and he was again the can- 
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur- 
ated President of the United States. The verdict of 
the countryin favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted 
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the 
administration of President Tyler was to affix liis sig- 
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 
_3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to 
J| the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas 
I I as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, 
?gg^<a Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and 
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation 
to be an act hosUle to Mexico. 



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In his first message. President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- 
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the 
other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent 



with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was 
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the 
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly 
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, 
where he erected batteries whicii commanded the 
Mexican city of Matamoras, whicli was situated on 
the western banks. 

The anticipated collision soon took place, and war 
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The 
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration 
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first 
called one of " observation," then of " occupation," 
then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The 
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly 
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement 
alone can reveal the misery whicli this war caused. 
It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration 
that the war was brought on. 

'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was 
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. 
We now consented to peace upon the condition that 
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, 
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- 
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of 
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This 
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the 
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen 
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were 
some Americans who thought it all right : there were 
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution 
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and 
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this 
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from 
office, having served one term. The next day was 
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the 
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- 
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to 
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. 
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, 
and his health was good. With an ample fortune, 
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties 
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years 
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the 
cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up 
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, 
and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth 
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. 



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ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth 
®) President of the United States, 
^■^was born on the 24th of Nov., 
1784, in Orange Co., Va. His 
father, Colonel Taylor, was 
a Virginian of note, and a dis- 
) tinguished patriot and soldier of 
the Revolution. When Zachary 
was an infant, his father with his 
wife and two children, emigrated 
to Kentucky, where he settled in 
the pathless wilderness, a few 
miles from Louisville. In this front- 
■SiS ier home, away from civilization and 
all its refinements, young Zachary 
B could enjoy but few social and educational advan- 
C tages. When six years of age he attended a common 
il school, and was then regarded as a briglit, active boy, 
^5 rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char- 
i acter He was strong, fearless and self-reliant, and 
I manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight 
|c the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There 
i is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his 

5 childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation. 
e In i8o8, his father succeeded in obtaining for him 

6 the commission of lieutenant in the United States 
army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed 

I at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after 
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady 
ij; from one of the first families of Maryland. 

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- 
land, in 18 12, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been 
I promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort 
i Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above 
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- 
ness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to Tippecanoe. 
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, 
led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken 




company of infantry nuraberin{j 
whom were sick. 

Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, stealthily, 
and in large numbers, moved \\]io\\ the fort. Their 
approach was first indicated by the murder of two 
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor 
made every possible preparation to meet the antici- 
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of 
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, 
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that 
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk 
with him. It was evident that their object was merely 
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept 
them at a distance. 

The sun went down ; the savages disappeared, the 
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before 
midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips 
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of 
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick 
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that 
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap- 
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor- 
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can 
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc- 
ceeded in setting iire to one of the block-houses- 
Until si-x o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict 
continued. The savages then, baflfled at every point, 
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. 
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the 
rank of major by brevet. 

Until the close of the war. Major Taylor was placed 
in such situations that he saw but little more of active 
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the 
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fo.x River, which 
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little 
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one 
best could. There were no books, no society, no in- Ti|; 






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ZACHARY TAYLOR. 




tellectual stimulus. Thus with hitn the uneventful 
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of 
colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in 
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor 
took a subordinate but a brave and efiicient part. 

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in 
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in 
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown 
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. 
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel 
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- 
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, 
had promised they should do. The services rendered 
here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated 
to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon 
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- 
mand of the United States troops in Florida. 

After two years of such wearisome employment 
amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor 
obtained, at his own request, a change of command, 
and was stationed over the Department of the South- 
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters 
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family 
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. 
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, 
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty 
imposed upon him. 

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land 
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river 
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed 
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico 
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the 
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet 
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name 
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in 
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over 
forces much larger than he commanded. 

His careless habits of dress and his unaffected 
simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, 
the. sahriqiiei of "Old Rough and Ready.' 

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista 
spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The 
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The 
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- 
ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- 
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the 
f3 Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- 
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- 
claring that he was not at all qualified for such an 
3 office. So little interest had he taken in politics that, 
,j} for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not 
ij without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen 
who had been long years in the public service found 
their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name 







had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo 
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena 
Vista. It Is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- 
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine 
writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- 
pared such few communications as it was needful 
should be presented to the public. The popularity of 
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- 
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — 
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. 
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good 
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position, 
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. 
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably 
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party 
was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi- j 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was ! 
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery ■ 
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found ; 
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more ; 
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or ; 
Indians. ; 

In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor, • 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little ; 
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of j 
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850. ' 
His last words were, "I am not afraid to die. I am 
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died 
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- 
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the 
affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly la- 
mented his death. 

Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with 
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful 
description of his character: — " With a good store of 
common sense. Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- 
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse 
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- 
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had 
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his 
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- 
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju- 
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the 
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, 
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat 
a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave 
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- 
side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the 
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), 
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, 
'touch with a pair of tongs.' 

"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- 
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a 
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter 
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, 
few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor- 
saving contempt for learning of every kind." 



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THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 




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^•ffllLLAHn FILLfflnHE. 





ILLARD FILLMORE, thir- 
teenth President of the United 
States, was born at Summer 
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on 
the yth of January, i8oo. His 
father was a farmer, and ow- 
ing to misfortune, in humble cir- 
cumstances. Of his mother, the 
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, 
of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been 
said that she possessed an intellect 
of very high order, united with much 
])ersonal loveliness, sweetness of dis- 
position, graceful manners and ex- 
quisite sensibilities. She died in 
1831 ; having lived to see her son a 
young man of distinguished prom- 
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high 
dignity which he finally attained. 

In consequence of the secluded home and limited 
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- 
vantages for education in his early years. The com- 
mon schools, which he occasionally attended were 
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce 
and expensive. There was nothing then in his char- 
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he 
was about to enter. He was a plain fanner's boy ; 
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred 
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, 
and had laid the foundations of an upright character. 
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him 
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of 
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some 




11 



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enterprising man had commenced the collection of a 
village library. This i)roved an inestimable blessing 
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- 
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with 
books. His thirst for knowledge became insaUate ; 
and the selections which he made were continually IS 
more elevating and instrucrive. He read history, 
biography, oratory , and thus gradually there was en- 
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more 
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- 
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, 
educated man. 

The young clothier had now attained the age of 
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance 
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that 
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample 
pecuniar}' means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter ^ iiaaii ^ 
Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap- 
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint- 
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and 
attainments that he advised him to abandon his 
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The 
young man replied, that he had no means of his own, 
r.o friends to help him and that his previous educa- 
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had 
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to 
take him into his own office, and to loan him such 
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous 
offer was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion about 
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to 
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col- 
lege. But many a boy loiters through university halls 
and then enters a law office, who is by no means as 






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MILLARD FILLMORE. 



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well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was 
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- 
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during 
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- 
tense mental culture. 

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he was 
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then 
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the 
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, 
his practice of course was limited, and there was no 
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. 
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great 
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station 
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industry, 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, 
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to 
enter into partnership under highly advantageous 
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in 
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, 
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the 
.State of New York, as a representative from Erie 
County. Though he had never taken a very active 
part in ixslitics, his vote and his sympathies were with 
the ^Vhig party. The State was then Democratic, 
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the 
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parties, 
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very 
unusual degn e the respect of his associates. 

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in 
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled 
arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our 
national history. The great conflict respecting the 
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was 
then raging. 

His term of two years closed ; and he returned to 
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- 
utation and success. After a lapse of two years 
he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re- 
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe- 
rience as a representative gave hmi strength and 
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to 
any man can be but little more than an introduction. 
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- 
gies were brought to hear upon the public good. Every 
measure received his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and 
his ixjpularity filled the State, and in the year 1847, 
lie was elected Comptroller of the State. 



I 



Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven 
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in 
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- 
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to 
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- 
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the 
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old 
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles 
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be 
proclaimed in trumpet-tones all over the land. But 
it was necessary to associate with him on the same 
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, the 
names of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became |: 
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for a!; 
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was §' 
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, U 
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard \ 
Fillmore Vice-President, of the LTnited States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but 
about one year and four months after his inaugura- 
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con- 
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi- 
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which 
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. 

Mr. Fillniore had very serious difficulties to contend 5|i 
with, since the opposition had a majority in both 5^ 
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate 
the South; but the pro-slaverj' party in the South felt §! 
the inadequacyof all measuresof transient conciliation. § 
The population of the free States was so rapidly in- § 
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- | 
evitable that the power of the Government should s| 
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The 
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. | 
Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition 
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- 
more, having served one term, retired. <&, 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- 5|;| 
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten 35 1 
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in 
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, 
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that 
his sympathies were rather with those who were en- 
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President 
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any 
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. 
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe 
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March S, 1874. 



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'^ ^ ^> FRANKLIN FIERCE.-^ 






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RANKLIN PIERCE, the 
fourteenth President of the 
if' United States, was born in 
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 
23, 1804. His father was a 
Revolutionary soldier, who, 
with his own strong arm, 
hewed out a liome in the 
wilderness. He was a man 
of inflexible integrity; of 
strong, though uncultivated 
mind, and an uncompromis- 
ing Democrat. The mother of 
Franklin Pierce was all that a son 
could desire, — an intelligent, pru- 
dent, affectionate. Christian wom- 
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. 

Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen- 
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the 
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground 
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors 
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was 
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, 
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact 
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- 
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural 
devotion to books, he was a good scholar ; in body, 
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. 

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he 
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. He was 
one of the most jxjpular young men in the college. 
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying 
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and 



genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. 
There was something verj' peculiarly winning in his 
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- 
gree studied : it was the simple outgushing of his 
own magnanimous and loving nature. 

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce 
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge 
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of 
the State, and a man of great private worth. The 
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his 
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant 
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en- 
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci- 
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all 
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. 
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the 
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected 
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here 
he served for four yeais. The last two years he was 
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. 

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected 
a member of Congress. \Vithout taking an active 
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty, 
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom 
he was associatad. 

In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, 
he was elected to the Senate of the United States; 
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced 
his administration. He was the youngest member in 
the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane 
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- 
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every 
station with wliich her husband was honoied. Of the 



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72 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



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three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with 
their parents in the grave. 

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame 
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his 
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. 
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed 
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States ; but 
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous 
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos 
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the 
same time declined the nomination for governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. 
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of 
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his 
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. 
He took an important part in this war, proving him- 
self a brave and true soldier. 

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native 
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo- 
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- 
nents. He resumed the practice' of his profession, 
very freijuently taking an active part in political ques- 
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery 
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise 
measures met cordially with his approval ; and he 
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- 
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious 
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- 
guished as a "Northern man with Southern principles.'' 
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom they could 
safely trust in office to carry out their plans. 

On the i2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- 
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the 
Presidency. For four days they continued in session, 
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a 
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown 
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation 
brought forward his name. There were fourteen 
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly 
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he 
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all 
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was 
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with 
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- 
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their 
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1853. 



His administration proved one of the most stormy our 
country had ever experienced. The controversy be- 
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its 
culminating ix)int. It became evident that there was *;} 
an " irrepressible conflict " between them, and that 
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half 3:1} 
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad 
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate 3||} 
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every j-j} 
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution i;^!}] 
of the Union were borne to the North on every South- : , j 
em breeze. 3 J 

Such was the condition of affairs when President % J 
Pierce^ approached the close of his four-years' term lU 
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- :';& 
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded 3;:ri 
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all gw 
the intellectual ability and social worth of President 3s(i 
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- - ;*ij 
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, '■.''% 
unmindful of the fidelity with 'which he had advo- : iii 
cated those measures of Government which they ap- 
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had 
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be 
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped §jji 
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. ;'^'i 

On the 4th of March, 1S57, President Pierce re- = [f] 
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two ; n. 
had died, and his only surviving child had been 
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his : -ij 
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of 3t;} 
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The 
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left 
alone in the world, without wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di- 
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. 
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he 
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to E-J 
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been 'i^- 
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice : 
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov- 5 
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until 3'; 
the time of his death, which occurred in October, 
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of;: 
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal \\ 
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen- 
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al- 
leviation of suffering and want, and manyot his towns- 
people were often gladened by his material bounty. - ,' 



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j^jvteenth President of the United 
"" States, was born in a small 
frontier town, at the foot of the 
eastern ridge of the. Allegha- 
nies, in Franklin Co., Penn.,on 
the 23d of April, 1791. The place 
where the humble cabin of his 
father stood was called Stony 
Batter. It was a wild and ro- 
mantic spot in a gorge of the moun- 
tains, with towering summits rising 
grandly all around. His father 
was a native of the north of Ireland ; 
a poor man, who had emigrated in 
1783, with little property save his 
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married 
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, 
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- 
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a 
clearing with his axe, and settled down (here to per- 
form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se- 
cluded home, where James was born, he remained 
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual 
advantages. When James was eight years of age, his 
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where 
his son was placed at school, and commenced a 
g course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His 
jirogress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he 
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- 
|^~ veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among 
ij3h the first scholars in the institution. His application 
i^^S to study was intense, and yet his native powers en- 



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abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with 
facility. 

In the year 1809, he graduated with the highest 
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of 
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of 
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with 
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately 
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, 
and was admit'ted to the bar in 181 2, when he was 
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose 
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand 
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but 
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- 
cessfully defended before the State Senate one of the 
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of 
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally 
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and 
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- 
crative practice. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. 
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally .^.^^ 
tried some important case. In 1831, he retired ^M 
altogether from the toils of his jirofession, having ao- hjlij 
quired an ample fortune. [^^ 

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency, L^S 
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The hJKJ 
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which 'i^^;, 
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in 
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States 
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, 
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas- 
ures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri- 

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76 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



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sals against France, to enforce the payment of our 
claims against that country ; and defended the course 
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale 
removal from office of those who were not the sup- 
porters of his administration. Upon this question he 
was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay. 
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging 
from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure 
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits. 
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the 
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the 
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United 
States mails. 

As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo- 
cated tliat they should be respectfully received; and 
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had 
no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress," 
said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with 
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the 
States where it now exists." 

Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. 
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, 
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of 
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing 
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed 
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross 
the Rio (jrande into that territory was a declaration 
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the 
account of tlie course our Government pursued in that 
movement. 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with 
the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension 
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind 
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his 
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50, 
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce, 
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. 
Buchanan with the mission to England. 

In tlie year 1856, a national Democratic conven- 
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The 
political conflict was one of the most severe in which 
our country has ever engaged. All the Triends of 
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- 
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- 
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- 
ceived H4 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
174, and was elected. The popular vote stood 
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On 
March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. 

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four 
years were wanting to fill up his threescore years and 
ten. His own friends, those with wliom he had l)een 
allied in political principles and action for years, were 
seeking the destruction of the Government, that tliey 
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a 
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. 
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- 
wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- 
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ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in 
their assumptions. As President of the United States, 
bound by his oath faithfully to administer tlie laws, 
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind, 
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- 
lic. He therefore did nothing. 

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration 
nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer 
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery 
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con- 
trol of the Government were thus taken from their 
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking 
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at 
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of 
the United States. 

Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the [iro-slaver)' 
party was such, that he had been willing to offer them 
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the 
South had professed to ask of the North was non- 
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- 
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- 
operation of the Government to defend and extend 
the institution. 

As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders 
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchatian avow- 
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of 
tlie most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im- 
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He 
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its 
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which 
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This 
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with 
his hand upon his sword hilt, he exclaimed, "The 
Union must and shall be preserved!" 

South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly 
three months before the inauguration of President 
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. 
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston • Fort Sumpter 
was besieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals 
were seized; our depots of military stores were plun- 
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were 
appropriated by the rebels. 

The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our 
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked 
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, 
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak- 
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- 
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the 
scepter. 

The administration of President Buchanan was 
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- 
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with 
pleasure. ,\nd still more deplorable it is for his fame, 
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows 
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came 
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's 
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion. 
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868. 




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SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT. 




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BRAHAM LINCOLN, 
sixteenth President of 
l#United States, was born 
Co., Ky., Feb. 
9. About the year 1780, a 
^; man by the name of Abraham 
'^ Lincohi left Virginia with his 
family and moved into the then 
wilds of Kentucky. Only two years 
after this emigration, still a young 
man, while working one day in a 
field, was stealthily approached by 
an Indian and shot dead. His widow 
was left in extreme poverty with five 
little children, three boys and two 
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the 
boys, was four years of age at his 
father's death. This Thomas was 
the father of Abraham Lincoln, the 
President of the United States 
whose name must henceforth forever be enrolled 
with the most prominent in the annals of our world. 
Of course no record has been kept of the life 
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among 
the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched 
:| log-cabin ; his food the coarsest and the meanest. 
Education he had none; he could never either read 
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for 
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his 
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- 
less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- 
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a 
laborer in the fields of others. 

When twenty-eight years of age he built a log- 
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of anotlier family of poor Kentucky emi- 
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their 
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of 
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble 
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn 
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. 
"All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate- 
ful son " I owe to my angel-mother. 

When he was eight years of age, his father sold his 



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cabin and sinall farm, and moved to Indiana. Where 
two years later his mother died. 

Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated 
community around iiim. He could not have had a 
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts 
into words. He also became an eager reader. The 
books he could obtain were few ; but these he read 
and re-read until they were almost committed to 
memory. 

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family 
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and 
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister 
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- 
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and 
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr. 
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, 
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. 

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. 
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing 
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this 
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their 
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when 
he announced to his father his intention to leave 
home, and to go out into the world and seek his for- 
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- 
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of 
education and was intensely earnest to improve his 
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin 
which ardent spirits were causing, and became 
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- 
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in 
God's word, "Thou shalt not take the name of the 
Lord thy God in vain ;" and a profane expression he 
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His 
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a 
single vice. 

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer 
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, 
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. 
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down 
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis- 
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin- 
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give 
great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven- 



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tare his employers were so well pleased, that uixjii 
his return tiiey placed a store and mill under his care. 

In 1832, at the outbreak, of the Black Hawk war, he 
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He 
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but 
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew 
Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem, 
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there ready to deliver to those 
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon 
made this liis business. In 1834 he again became a 
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. 
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He 
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of 
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and 
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- 
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back 
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. \\\ 
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it 
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- 
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. 
His success with the jury was so great that he was 
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. 

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. 
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. 
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, 
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became 
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's 
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- 
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most 
notable part of his history. The issue was on the 
ilavery question, and he took the broad ground of 
;he Declaration of Independence, that all men are 
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- 
test, but won a far higher prize. 

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago 
on the i6th of June, i860. The delegates and 
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- 
five thousand. An immense building called "The 
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- 
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes 
were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame 
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most 
orominent. It was generally supposed he would be 
the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received 
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then 
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the 
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him : 
and aslittle did he dream that he was to render services 
to his country, which would fi.\ upon him the eyes of 
the whole civilized world, and which would give him 
aplaceintiie affections of his countrymen, second 
only, if second, to that of Washington. 

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received iSo 
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, 
constitutionally elected President of the United States. 
The tirade of abuse that vas [xjured w\yo\\ this good 



and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was 
greater than ujwn any other man ever elected to this 
high position. In Februar)', 186 1, Mr. Lincoln started 
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his 
way making speeches. The whole journey wasfrought 
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had 
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination 
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- 
more had arranged, upon his arrival to "get up a row," 
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with 
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled 
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to 
take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an 
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at 
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- 
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Con- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had 
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln 
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, 
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people. 

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other 
prominent opponents before the convention he gave 
important positions. 

During no other administration have the duties 
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and 
the resixjnsibilities so great, as those which fell to 
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and 
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in 
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he 
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in 
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his 
trials, both personal and national. Contrary to his 
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the 
most courageous of men. He went directly into the 
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, 
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans li ad l)een 
made for his assassination.and he at last fell a victim 
tooneof them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, 
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It 
was announced that they would be present. Gen. 
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- 
ing, witn his characteristic kindliness of heart, that 
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, 
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to 
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth 
entered the box where the President and family were 
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the 
next morning at seven o'clock. 

Never before, in the history of the world was a nation 
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler 
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless 
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was 
in tears. His was a life which will fitly beconie a 
model. His name as the savior of his country will 
live with that of Washington's, its father; his co\mtr)'- 
men being unable to decide which is the greater. 












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SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT. 





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NDREW JOHNSON, seven- 
teenth President of the United 
States. The early life of 
Andrew Johnson contains but 
the record of poverty, destitu- 
tion and friendlessness. He 
was born December 29, 180S, 
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, 
belonging to the class of the 
"poor whites " of the South, were 
in such circumstances, that they 
could not confer even the slight- 
est advantages of education upon 
their child. When Andrew was five 
years of age, his father accidentally 
lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a 
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the 
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with 
her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one day, 
and being unable either to read or write, was ap- 
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentletrian 
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- 
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often 
read from the speeches of distinguished British states- 
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more 
than ordinary native ability, became much interested 
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he 
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. 

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and 
with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, 
learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- 
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner, 




pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book, 
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters 
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed on- 
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours 
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest 
and recreation to devote such time as he could to 
reading. 

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at 
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos- 
sessed some education. Under her instructions he 
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent 
in the village debating society, and a favorite with 
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- 
ganized a working man's party, which elected him 
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which 
position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in political 
affairs; identifying himstlf with the working-classes, 
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a 
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- 
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. 
He became a very active member of the legislature, 
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van 
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to those 
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much 
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

In 1841, he was elected Stale Senator; in 1843, he 
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive 
elections, held that important post for ten years. In 
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and 
was re-elected in 1855. In all these resjjonsible posi- 
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abiU 





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ANDREW JOHNSON. 



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ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- 
ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected 
United .States Senator. 

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated 
the anne.xation of Texas, stating however, as his 
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- 
aijly prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable 
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, 
and become merged in a population congenial to 
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- 
promise measures, the two essential features of whicli 
were, that the white people of the Territories should 
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they 
would enslave the colored people or not, and that 
the free States of the North should return to the 
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. 

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin: 
on the contrary, he often took f>ride in avowing that 
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir,'" 
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget 
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam 
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- 
ior was the son of a carpenter." 

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860, he 
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the 
Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South- 
ixw Democracy became apparent, he took a decided 
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery 
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever 
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly 
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of 
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the 
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap- 
pointed him MiUtary Governor of the State, and he 
established the most stringent military rule. His 
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 

1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United 
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 

1865, became President. In a speech two days later 
he said, " The American people must be taught, if 
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and 
must be punished; that the Government will not 
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not 
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people 
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of 
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole 
administration, the history of which is so well known, 
was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent 



opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. 

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char- 
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly 
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In 
the beginnirig of 1868, on account of "high crimes 
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the 
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- 
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- 
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was at 
length submitted to the court for its action. Il was 
certain that as the court voted upon that article so 
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced 
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- 
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- 
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against 
hinr. The change of one vote from the not guilty 
side would have sustained the impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his term, was 
but little regarded. He continued, though impotently, 
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not 
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- 
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- 
alleled since the days of Washington, around tiie name 
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. 
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the 
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was 
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- 
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a 
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home 
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in 
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting 
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- 
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- 
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special 
session convened by President Grant, on the 5lh of 
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President 
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter 
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was 
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- 
ing the residence of his child the following day, was 
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. 
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at 
2 .^. M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- 
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 31I of .\ugust, 
with every demonstration of respect. 



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LYSSES S. GRANT, the 
§1 eighteenth President of the 
!fe' United States, was bom on 
tlie 29th of April, 1822, of 
Christian parents, in a humble 
home, at Point Pleasant, on the 
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after 
his father moved to George- 
town, Brown Co., O. In this re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses 
received a common-school edu- 
cation. At the age of seven- 
teen, in the year 1839, he entered 
the Military Academy at West 
^oint. Here he was regarded as a 
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of 
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank 
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in- 
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis- 
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary 
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating 
Indians. 

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first 
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here 
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at 
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle 
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that 
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful 
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am- 
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along 
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. 
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, 
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one 
side of the animal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. 



From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, 
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In 
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he 
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the 
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a 
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- 
pultepec. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re- 
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again 
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The 
discovery of gold in California causing an immense 
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. 
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in 
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im- 
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. 
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the 
States ; and having married, entered upon the cultiva- 
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but 
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into 
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- 
lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings 
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears 
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — 
" Uncle Sam has educated me for the army ; though 
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that 
■I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge 
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword 
and see Uncle Sam through this war too." 

He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- 
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, 
the capital of the State, where their services were 
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by 
the zeal and straightfor^vard executive ability of Capt. 
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the 
volunteer organization that was being formed in the 
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of 



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]une, 1 86 1, Capt. Grant received a commission as 
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- 
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who 
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such 
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- 
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The 
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth 
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- 
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The 
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and 
stripes were unfurled in its stead. 

He entered the service with great determination 
and immediately began active duty. This was the be- 
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond 
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and 
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- 
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry 
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight 
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the 
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was 
immediately made a Major-General, and the military 
p^ district of Tennessee was assigned to him. 

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how 
to secure the results of victory. He immediately 
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the 
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the 
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an 
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty 
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- 
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most 
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered, 
and opened up the .Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from 
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he 
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid 

B' of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and 
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas- 
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then 
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout 
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great loss. This won for him un- 
I bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- 
5 ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- 
[ general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant. 
I He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials 

J and enter upon the duties of his new office. 

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Gen. Cirant decided as soon as he took charge of 
the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National SI } 
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal at} 
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de-^1 
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as- »} 
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole '^^ 
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these 
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. 
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains 
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His 
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of 
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- 
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- 
render of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

The war was ended. The Union was saved. The 
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. 
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal- 
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered 
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the 
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, 
May 21, 186S, he was unanimously nominated for the 
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a 
majority of tlie ]X)pular vote, and 214 out of 294 
electoral votes. 

The National Convention of the Republican party 
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872, 
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term 
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati- 
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292 
electoral votes being cast for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant 
started upon his famous trip around the world. He 
visited almost every country of the civilized world, 3^ [ 
and was everywhere received with such ovations js 
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private %y 
as well as public and official, as were never before E ih 
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. 

He was the most prominent candidate before the \ \\ 
Republican National Convention in 1880 for a re- ^ 
nomination for President. He went to New York and 
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm 
nameof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain, 
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to 
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with 
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like 
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as 
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The 
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 
1885, the nation went in mourning over the death of 
the illustrious General. 






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UTHERFORI) B. HAYES, 
the nineteenth President of 
|j*the United States, was born in 
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- 
ii most three months after the 
*^ death of his father, Rutherford 
Hayes. His ancestry on both 
the paternal and maternal sides, 
was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, 
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and 
Rutherford were two Scottish chief- 
tains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace anci Robert 
Bruce. Both families belonged to the 
nobility, owned extensive estates, 
and had a large following. Misfor- 
|E tune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scot- 
land in 1 680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
; George was born in Windsor, and remained there 
\ during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- 
C ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- 
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, 
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- 
turer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, 
son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was 
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, 
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to 
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattlelwio, 
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- 
erford Hayes, tlie father of President Hayes, was 




born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- 
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been 
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. 
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders 
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers 
in the Revolutionary War. 

The father of President Hayes was an industrious, 
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- 
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock- 
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to 
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active 
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con- 
ducted his business on Christian principles. After 
the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable 
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day, 
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, 
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was 
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter- 
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived 
in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial 
fever, less than three months before the birth of the 
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- 
reavement, found the support she so much needed in 
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from Ver~ 
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted 
some time before as an act of charity. 

Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the 



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subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he 
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at 
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and 
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- 
i|uiringfrom time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died 
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on 
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the 
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of 
him, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to 
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't 
wonder if he would really come to something yet." 

" You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. " You 
wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him 
President of the United States yet." The boy lived, 
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy 
death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was 
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his 
mother. 

The boy was seven years old before he went to 
school. His education, however, was not neglected. 
He probably learned as much from his mother and 
sister as he would have done at school. His sports 
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being 
his sister and her associates. These circumstances 
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dis^xs- 
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings 
of others, which are marked traits of his character. 

His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest 
in his education; and as the boy's health had im- 
proved, and he was making good progress in his 
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre- 
paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he 
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the 
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- 
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen, 
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. 

Immediately after his graduation he began the 
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq., 
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in 
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter 
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- 
mained two years. 

In 1 845, after graduatmg at the Law School, he was 
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly 
afterward went into practice as an attorn ey-at-1 aw 
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- 
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, 
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- 
fession. 

In 1849 he moved to Cincmnati, where his ambi- 
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- 
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at 
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse- 
quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss 
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of 
Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin- 
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its 
members such men as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, 



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Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Xoyes, and many =:: } 
others hardly less distinguished in after life. The pi 
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as | 
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our | 
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced g, 
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did §^ 
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman- 
hood. The Literary Cluu brought Mr. Hayes into 
constant association with young men of high char- 
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the 
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and 
modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of 3; 
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- ;' 
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office of ; 
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council 5 
elected him for the unexpired term. 

In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at 
the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the 
bar was among the the first. But the news of 
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take 
arms for the defense of his country. 

His military record was bright ar.d illustrious. 
October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio 
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades 
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he 
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle 
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while 
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude 
that won admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after S.-:} 
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed 
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, 
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles cj; 
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was gj-; 
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted I:' 
Major-General, "forgallant and distinguished services |-: 
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In b| 
the course of his arduous services, four horses were gli 
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times. Kt 

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from si 
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- Eji 
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, % 
and after his election was importuned to resign his 
commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I 
shall never come to Washington until 1 can come by 
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. 

In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, 
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat. 
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. 
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. 

In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- 
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a 
haid long contest was chosen President, and was in 3§i 
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his 2la 
full term, not, however, with satisfaction to his party, 3; 
but his administration was an average on-=' 



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AMES A. GARt'lELD, twen- 
tieth President of the United 
States, was born Nov. ig, 
1 83 1, in the woods of Orange, 

^.^ Cuyahoga Co., O His par- 

V*»S gi^j.^ were Abram and Eliza 
■' J^ (Ballou) Garfield, both of New 
England ancestry and from fami- 
lies well known in the early his- 
I, tory of that section of our coun- 
try, but had moved to the Western 
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- 
ment. 

The house in which James A. was 
born was not unlike the houses of 
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It 
was about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- 
tween the logs filled with clay. His father was a 
hard working farmer, and he soon had his fields 
cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built. 
The household comprised the father and mother and 
their four children — Mehetahel, Thomas, Mary and 
James. In May, 1823, the father, fron> a cold con- 
tracted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At 
this time James was about eighteen months old, and 
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can 
tell how much James was indebted to his biother's 
toil and self sacrifice during the twenty years suc- 
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very 
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis- 
ters live in Solon, O., near their birthplace. 

The early educational advantages young Garfield 
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of 
them. He labored at farm work for others, did car- 
penter work, chopped wood, or did anything tliat 
would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed 
mother in her struggles to keep the little family to- 



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gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his 
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- 
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they 
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor, 
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly 
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the 
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness 
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, 
modest gentleman. 

The highest ambition of young Garfield until he 
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of 
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard 
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She 
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the 
understanding, however, that he should try to obtain 
some other kind of employment. He walked all tiie 
way to Cleveland. Tliis was his first visit to the city. 
After making many applications for work, and trying 
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with 
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Letcher, on the Ohio iS: Pennsylvania Canal. He re- 
mained at this work but a short time when he went 
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for 
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the 
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in 
the meantime, and doing other work. This school 
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of 
which church he was then a member. He became 
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. 
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon 
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the 
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which 
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon- 
ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram 
College as its President. As above stated, he early 
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at 
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- 
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where 
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of 
Yal.e College, says of him in reference to his religion : 






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" President Garfield was more than a man of 
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole 
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to 
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and 
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs 
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In 
my judgment there is no more interesting feature of 
ills character than his loyal allegiance to the body of 
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent 
symi)athy which he ever showed in their Christian 
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty 
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to 
the less stately and cultured Christian communions 
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true 
that as they step upward in social and political sig- 
nificance they step upward from one degree to 
another in some of the many types of fashionable 
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the 
church of his mother, the church in which he was 
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an 
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- 
tarian cliarity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'" 

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss 
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. ir, 1858, who proved herself 
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and 
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of 
whom are still living, four boys and one girl. 

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, 
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three 
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- 
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he 
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio 
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, 
and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. The great 
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, 
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had 
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- 
ceived his commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty- 
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 
14, 1861. He was immediately put into active ser- 
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired inaction, 
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry 
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the officer 
(Humphrey M^.rshall) reputed to be tlie ablest of 
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given 
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed- 
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- 
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him 
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had 
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years 
before, so now he was the youngest General in the 
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, 
in its operations around Corinth and its march through 
\labama. He was then detailed as a memberof the 
< '.eneral Couit-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John 
I'orter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose- 
crans, and was assigned to tlie " C'hief of Staff." 

The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with 




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his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won ; - 

the stars of the Major-General. : "^ 

Without an effort on his part Gen. Garfield was 
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the 

Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio ; 

had been represented in Congress for si.\ty years : 

mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua .■; 

R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he : 

resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- jj 
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that 
body. There he remained by successive re- 
elections until he was elected President in 1880. 
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : "Since 

the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which j-ij 

has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a ': n 

tribunel of the American people, in regard to which : 

you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu- ;: 

ment on one side stated, in almost every instance ;:n 

better than by anybody else, in some speech made in a!--} 

the House of Representatives or on the hustings by |jh 
Mr. Garfield." 

Ui«n Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to ;■} 

the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the :'a 

same year, was nominated as the candidate of his : ;*^i 

(larty for President at the great Chicago Convention. : U 

He was elected in the following November, and on :;^t. 
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- 
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter 
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every 

day it grew in favo." with the people, and by the first li^ 

of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre- -^fv 

liminary work of his administration and was prepar- k^ 

ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams [-i^ 

College. While on his way and at the depot, in com- ;;•{ 

pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind ;:;- 

him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back, lif' 

The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the «~n 

assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the ^;Jj 

left coat sleeve of his victim, but in.licting no further ;!i 

injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was ";} 

" the shot that was heard round the world " Never ;;} 

before in the history of the Nation had anything oc- li{ 
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people 
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- 
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and 

was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty I 

days, all during the hot months of July and August, ; 

he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained : 

master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent : 

bearing was teaching the country and the world the £ 

noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the cij 

very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass- :zP. 

ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept. i'\{ 
19, 1883, at Eliieron, N. J , on the very bank of the 
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The 
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the 
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it. 
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- 
cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. 






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HESTER A. ARTHUR, 

, twenty-first PresK'..,iiL uf the 

iV^United States was born in 

Franklin Courty, Vermont, on 

thefifthof Oc'ober, 1830, and is 

the oldest of a family of two 

sons and five daughters. His 

father was the Rev. Dr. William 

Arthur, a Baptist cJ'^rgyman, who 

emigrated to tb.s country from 

the county Ant dm, Ireland, in 

his 1 8th yearj and died in 1875, in 

Newtonville, neai Albany, after a 

long and successful ministry. 

Young Arthur was educated at 
Union College, S( henectady, where 
he excelled in all his studies. Af- 
ter his graduation he taught school 
in Vermont for two years, and at 
the expiration cf that time came to 
New York, with $500 in his pocket, 
and entered the office of ex-Judge 
'HIT E. D. Culver as student. After 
1 being admitted to the bar he formed 
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, 
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing 
in the West, and for three months they roamed about 
in the Western States in search of an eligible site, 
but in the end returned to New York, where they 
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success- 
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur 
soon afterward married the daughter of Lieutenant 



Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at 
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in 
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthurs 
nommation to the Vice Presidency, leaving two 
children. 

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity 
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, 
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had 
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior 
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon^ 
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with 
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when 
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided 
that they could not be held by the owner under the 
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from 
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the 
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. 
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed 
to represent the People, and they won their case, 
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United 
States. Charles O'Conor here esjxjused the cause 
of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs. 
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward 
the emancipation of the black race. 

Another great service was rendered by General 
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, 
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth 
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. 
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a 
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- 
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride 
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly 



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CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 









followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- 
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per- 
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. 

General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the 
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- 
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer- 
in-Chief of his staff. In i86i, he was made Inspec- 
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas- 
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered 
great service to the Government during the war. At 
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the 
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. 
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney 
of New Yoik, was added to the firm. The legal prac- 
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- 
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able 
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if 
not indeed one of national extent. 

. He always took a leading part in State and city 
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of 
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- 
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential 
ticket, witli Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous 
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in 
June, 1S80. This was perhaps the greatest political 
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It 
was composed of the leading politicians of the Re- 
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and 
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their 
respective candidates that were before the conven- 
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- 
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur 
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most animated known in the history of 
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of 
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his 
party made a valiant fight for his election. 

Finally the election came and the country's choice 
was Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated 
March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President. 
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen 
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then 
came terrible weeks of suffering,— those moments of 
anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na- 



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tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re- 
cover)' of the noble, the good President. The remark- 
able patience that he manifested during those hours 

and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- 

stt\ 
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was 3]:i 

seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- 
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr 
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his jf 
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest §1 
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to g"; 
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- 3; 
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested a,: , 
in deed or look of this man, even though the most 
honored position in the world was at any moment ^^ 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar 
field from further suffering, and the world, as never 5= 
before in its history over the death of any other ;;; 
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of ;-; 
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of 3,! \ 
the high office, and he took the oath in New York, 3j-;} 
Sept. 20, i88r. The position was an embarrassing 
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all 
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, 
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- 
lect as advisers. The duties of the oflice had been 
greatly neglected during the President's long illness, 
and many important measures were to be immediately 
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he ll 
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he ^ 
became President, and knew the feelings of many on 
this point. Under these trying circumstances President 
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own 
hands; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of 
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so 
wisely that but few criticised his administration. 
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the 
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was 
a popular candidate before his party for a second 
term. His name was ably presented before the con- 
vention at Chicago, and was received with great 
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity 
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have 
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party 
for another campaign. He retired to private life car- 
rying with him the best wishes of the American peo- 
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory pi 
to them and with credit to himself. -|j 



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TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE- 
LAND, thetwenty-second Pres- 
ident of the United States, was 
born in 1837, in the obscure 
town of Caldwell, Essex Co., 
N. J., and in a little two-and-a- 
half-story white house which is still 
standing, characteristically to mark 
the humble birth-place of one of 
America's great men in striking con- 
trast with the Old World, where all 
men high in office must be high in 
origin and born in the cradle of 
wealth. When the subject of this 
sketch was three years of age, his 
father, who was a Presbyterian min- 
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved, 
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to 
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a 
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most 
straggling of country villages, about five miles from 
Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born. 

At the last mentioned place young Grover com- 
menced going to school in the " good, old-fashioned 
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the 
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he 
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of 
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he 
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the 
capacity of the village school and expressed a most 



emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this 
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those 
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to 
become self-supporting by the quickest possible 
means, and this at that time in Fayetteville seemed 
to be a position in a country store, where his father 
and the large family on his hands had considerable 
influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services 
the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to 
receive $100 the second year. Here the lad com- 
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he 
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness 
that his employers desired to retain him for an in- 
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex- 
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or 
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy. 
But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- 
ville, he went with the family in their removal to 
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a 
high school. Here he industriously pursued his 
studies until the family removed with him to a point 
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a 
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica, 
N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching 
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a 
small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an 
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two 
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in 
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his 







fjS^lS" 






104 



S. G ROVER CLEVELAND. 






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calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, 
ne left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going 
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as 
there was some charm in that name for him; but 
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to 
ask the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted 
stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not 
speak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do, 
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study 
law," was the reply. "Good gracious!" remarked 
the old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put 
that into your head.' How much money have you 
got.?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got 
any. 

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a 
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a 
year, wiiile uc could "look around." One day soon 
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers, 
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told them what he 
wanted. A number of young men were already en- 
gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and 
he was finally permitted to come as an office boy and 
have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum 
of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for 
his board and washing. The walk to and from his 
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although 
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his 
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had 
none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular. 
On the first day of his service here, his senior em- 
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him 
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying " That's 
where they all begin." A titter ran around the tittle 
circle of clerks and students, as they thought that 
wjs enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ; 
but indue time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland 
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for 
chasing principles through all their metaphysical 
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do 
it," was practically his motto. 

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was 
elected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in 
which Buffalo is situated ; and in such capacity it fell 
to his duty to inflict capital punishment upon two 
criminals. Li r88i he was elected Mayor of the 
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es- 
pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms 



I 
1 

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in the administration of the municipal affairs of that :.i 
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his \\\ 
performance of duty has generally been considered ;!;i 
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer- Hw 
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential r. 1 
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in ;" i 
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui- 3; i 
tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time for jh 
plain speech, and ray objection to your action shall if: i 
be plainly staled. I regard it as the culmination of b5i 
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme J \ 
to betray the interests of the people and to worse ; | 
than squander the people's money." The New York 3' } 
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- 5^} 



I 

land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there- \\ 

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upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire j; 
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882, -" 
and his administration of the affairs of State was 
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if JiiJ 

after he was nominated for President of the United ;;i 
For this high office he was nominated July ;]i 

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States 

II, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at 
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F. 
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, 
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he 
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a 
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub- 
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- 
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in 
January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as 
the Chief E.\ecutive of the United States, in which 
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of 
March, 1885. For his Cabinet officers he selected '■'■ ■ 
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State, ; >^ 
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware; Secretary of the \l^ 
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary E? 
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts; cj 
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New 'z'\ 
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of .. 
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, ss 
of Wisconsin; Attorney-General, .\. H. Garland, of §|} 
.\rkansas. 
The silver question precipitated a controversy be- gt| 

tween those who were in favor of the continuance of J>} 

*■ 1 
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr. j^i 

Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his r? 



inauguration. 




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GOVERNORS OF IOWA. 





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wJ^^Xf^^^ NSEL BRIGGS, the first 
■ "- ''■\' : §) gentleman chosen to fill the 
- gubernatorial chair of Iowa 
after its organization as a 
State, was a native of A'er- 
niont, and was born Feb. 3, 
IKOG. His parents, who likewise 
were New Englanflers, were Ben- 
jamin and Electa Briggs. The 
boyhood of our subject was 
l)assed in his native State, and in at- 
tendance upon the common schools 
he received a fair education which 
was sul)sequently improved bj' a 
term at Norwich Academy. When 
} a young man he removed with his 
parents to Cambridge, (iuenisey Co., Ohio, where 
young Briggs engaged in the work of establishing' 
stage lines. He also here embarked in political 
affairs and as a Whig run for the office of County 
Auditor but was defeated by John Ferguson, a 
Jackson Democrat. 

After remaining in Ohio for six years, the glow- 
ing acconnts of the fair fields and the fertile prairies 
of the Territory of Iowa, led him westward across 
the Father of Waters. He had previously united 
his fortunes in life with Nancy M. Dunlap, daugh- 
ter of Major Dunlap, an officer in the War of 1812. 
Even i)rior to this marriage he had chosen a wife, 
a ladj- who was born on the same day and j'ear as 
himself, but of whom he was soon bereft. He 
•brought with him to Iowa his little family and lo- 
cated at Andrew, in Jackson Countj'. Seeing the 



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opportunity here for resuming his former business, 
he began opening up stage lines, frequently driving 
the old stage coach himself. He made several eon- ilijl 
tracts with the Postoffice Department for carrying || \ \\ 
the United States mails weekly between Dubuque i|H'|i 
and Davenport, Dubuque and Iowa City and other 
routes, thus opening up and carrying on a very im- 
portant enterprise. Politically, (iov. Briggs was a 
Democrat, and on coming to Iowa identified him- 
self with that party. In 1842 he was chosen a 
member of the Territorial House of Representatives 
from Jackson County, and subsequently was elected 
Sheriff of the same county. He had taken a lead- 
ing part in pulilic affairs, and upon the formation of |;: H 
the State Government in 184(i, he became a prom- | 
inent candidate for Governor, and though his com- 
petitors in his own party were distinguished and 
well-known citizens, Mr. Briggs received the nom- 
ination. The convention was held in Iowa City, 
on Thursday, Sept. 24, 184G, and assembled to 
nominate State officers and two Congi-essmen. It 
was called to order by F. D. Mills, of Des Moines 
County. William Thompson, of Henry County, 
presided, and J. T. Fales, of Dubuque, was Secre- 
tary. The vote for Governor in the convention 
stood: Briggs, sixty-two; Jesse Williams, thirty- 
two, and WiUiam Thompson, thirty-one. Tlie two 
latter withdraw, and Briggs was then chosen by ac- 
clamation. Elisha Cutler, Jr., of Van Buren Coun- 
ty, was nommated for Secretary of State ; Joseph 
T. Fales, of Linn, for Auditor, and Morgan Reno, 
of Johnson, for Treasurer. S. C. Hastings and 
Sheperd Leffler were nominated for Congress. The 



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ANSEL BRIGGS. 






C'loftioii wn-; holil Oct. "iS. 1846. the entire Demo- 
f-ratif tioket being successful. Briggs receiver! 
7.()2(; votes and his conipetitiir, Tliomns McKnight. 
the Whig candidate. 7,379, giving Briggs a major- 
ity of 247. 

The principal (piestion between the t\vi> leading 
parties, the Democratic and the Whig, at this period, 
was that of the l)anking system. It is related that 
( short time prior to the meeting of the conven- 
lion which nominated Mr. Briggs, that in offering 
I toast .'it a banquet, he struck the key-note which 
made him the popular man of the hour. He .said, 
"No l):uiks liut earth and they well tilled." This 
was at once caught u]) liy his party and it did more 
to secure him the nomination than anything else. 
His administration was one void of any special in- 
terest. He laln)red in liarnKjnious accord with his 
party, yet frequently exhiljited an independence of 
principle, characteristic of his nature. The Mis- 
souri boundary question which caused a great deal 
of e.Kcited controversj' at this period, and even a 
determination to resort to. arms, was handled by 
him with great ability. 

On his election as Executive of the State, Gov. 
Briggs sold out his mail contract, but after the ex- 
|)iration of his term of service he continued his 
residence in Jackson County. In 1870 he removed 
to Council Bluffs. He had visited the western 
part of the State before the day of railroads in that 
section, making the trip bj- carriage. On the occa- 
sion he enrolled himself as one of the founders of 
the town of Florence on the Nebraska side of the 
river and si.\ miles above Council Bluffs, and which 
f ( ir a time was a vigorous rival of Omaha. Dur- 
ing the mining excitement, in 1860. he made a trip 
to Colorado, and three years later, iu company' 
with his son John and a large party, went to 
Montana, where he remained until the year 




1SH.">. when he returned to hi> home in low.-i. ; 

As above stated. Gov. Briggs was twice maiiii'd. \ 
his first wife being his coniiianion for a biief time; 
only. His second wife bore him eight chililrcn, all ; 
of whom died in infancy' save two, and of these lat-i 
ter, Ansel, Jr., died Jlay l.i, 1867, aged twenty-: 
five years. John S. Briggs, the <inly siu\ivor of; 
the family, is editr>r of the Idaha Ilfnild. publi>iied • 
at Blackfoot. Idaho Territorv. .Mrs. lirigs's died j 
Dec. 30, 1S47. while her husliand was (iovernor of ■ 
the State. She was a devoted Christian lady, a ; 
strict member of the Presbyterian Church, and a • 
woman of strong domestic tastes. She was iiiglil\' : 
educated, and endowed by nature with that ; 
womanl^y tact and grace which enabled her toadorn i 
the high position her liusband had attained, i 
She dispensed a hounteous hospitality, though iier : 
home was in a log house, and was highly esteemed i 
and admired by all who met her. : 

(jov. Briggs went in and out among his people i 
for manj' years after his retirement from tiie execu- : 
tive office, and even after his return from the Mon : 
tana expedition. He was admired for his able 
services rendered so unseiflshly during the i)ioneer 
period of the now great and populous State. His 
last illness, ulceration of the stomach, was of lirief 
duration, lasting only five weeks, indeed only three 
daj's before his death he was able to be out. His 
demise occurred at the residence of his son, John 
S. Briggs, in Omaha, Neb., at half-past three of the j 
morning of May."). 1.S81. His death was greatly 
mourned all over the State. Upon the following 
da}-. Gov. Gear issued a proclamation reciting his \ 
services to the State, ordering half-hour guns to be 
fired and the national flag on the Stjite capitol to j 
be put at half-mast during the day upon which ] 
the funeral was held, which was the following Sun- j 
day succeeding his death. j 






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;;-' TEPHEN HEMPSTEAD, sec- 
i>ii(] Governor of Iowa, is a 
native of Connecticut, where, 
at New London, he was born 
Oct. 1, 1812. He resided in 
that State with liis parents 
until 1828, when the family 
came West, locating upon a farm 
near Saint Louis. This was the 
home of j'oung Stephen until 1830, 
when he went to (Galena, 111., where 
lie served in the capacit_y of a clerk 
in a commission house for a time. 
He was there during the exciting 
period of the Black Hawk troubles, 
and was an officer in an artillery 
company whicli liad been organized for the protec- 
tion of (ialena. After the defeat of Black Hawk 
and the consequent termination of Indian trouljles, 
lie entered the Illinois College at Jacksonville, 
W'here he I'emained for about two years. On ac- 
count of clitticulties which he got into about 
sectarianism and abolitionism, he left the college 
and returned to Missouri. He shortly afterward 
entered the office of Charles S. Hempstead, a prom- 
inent lawyer of Galena, and began tlie studj- of the 
profession in which he afterward became quite pro- 



ficient. In 1836 he was admitted to practice in all 
the courts of the Territory of Wisconsin, which at 
the time embraced the Territorj' of Iowa, and the 
same year located at Dubuque, being the first law- 
yer who began the practice of his profession at that 
place. 

As might be expected in a territory but thinly 
populated, but one which was rapidlj- settling up, 
the services of an able attorne}' would be in de- 
mand in order to draft the laws. Upon the organ- 
ization of the Territorial Government of Iowa in 
1838, he was, w^ith Gen. Warner Lewis, elected to 
represent the northern portion of the Territory in 
the Legislative Council, which assembled in Bur- 
lington that year. He was Chairman of the Com- 
mittee Judiciary, and at the second session of that 
body was elected its President. He was again 
elected a member of the Council, in 1845, over 
which he also presided. In 1844 he was elected 
one of the delegates of Dubuque County, for the 
first convention to frame a constitution for the 
State. In 1848, in company with Judge Cnarles 
Mason and W. G. Woodward, he was appointed 
by the Legislature Commissioner to revise the laws 
of the State, which revision, with a few amend- 
ments, was adopted as the code of Iowa in 1851. 

In 1860 Mr. Hempstead was elected Governor of 




•Trxirrm^i 



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the State, and served with ability for four years, 
tliat lieing the full term under the Constitution at 
the time. He received 13,4fS6 votes against 11,- 
403 cast fur his opponent, James L. Thompson. 
After the \oti' had l)cen canvassed a committee 
was ajipuinted to inform the Governor-elect that 
the two Houses of the Legislature were ready to re- 
ceive him in joint con\ention, in order that he 
might receive the oath prescribed by the Constitu- 
tion. Gov. Hempstead, accompanied by the retir- 
ing Executive, Gov. Brigg-s, the Judges of the Su- 
jircnie Court and the otHcers of State, entered the 
liall of the House where the Governor-elect deliv- 
ered his inaugural message, after which the oath 
was administered by the Chief Justice of the Su- 
preme Court. This was an important period in the 
hlstoi-y of the Stiite, being at a time when the pub- 
lic affairs were assuming definite shape, and indeed 
it was what might be termed the formative period. 
The session of the Legislature passed many import- 
ant acts which were approved by the Governor, and 
during his term there were fiftj'-two new counties 
formed. Gov. Hempstead in his message to the 
Fourth General Assembly in December, 18.52, 
stated that among other things, the population of 
the State according to the Federal census was 1!)2.- 
214, and that the State census showed an increase 
for one year of 37,786. He also stated that the re- 
sources of tlie State for the coming two years 
"Would be sufficient to cancel all that part of funded 
debt which was payable at its option. 

Among the numerous counties organized was one 
named I'.uncomln', which received its name in the 
following way : The Legislature was composed of a 
large majority favoring strhigent corporation laws 
and the li:il)ility of individual stockholders for cor- 
parate del)ts. This sentiment, on account of the 
agitation of railroad enterprises then being inaugu- 
rated, brougiit a large number of prominent men 
to the capital. To have an effect \\\Km the Legis- 
lature, they organized a "loliby Legislature" and 
elected as CJovernor, Verplank V^an Antwerp, who 
delivered to the self-constituted body a lengthy 
message in wiiich he sharply criticized the regular 
General Assemldy. Some of the members of the 
latter were in tlu' luibit of making long and useful 
speeches much to the hindrance of business. To 



these he especially referred, chai-ging them with 
speaking for -'Buncombe," and recommended thai 
as a lasting memorial a county should lie called liv 
that name. This suggestion was readily .seized on 
by the Legislature, and the county of Buncomlie 
was created with few dissenting voices. However, 
the General Assemblj', in 18G2, changed the name 
to Lyon, in honor of Gen. Nath.aniel I^you who was 
killed in the early part of the Civil War. 

The season of 1851 was one of great disappoint- 
ment to the pioneers of Iowa, and much suffering 
was the result of the bad season of that veai-. By 
the year 1 854, the State had fully recovered from 
the depression thus produced, and that year as well 
as the following, the emigration from tiie Kast was 
unprecedented. The i)rairies of Illinois were lined 
day after day with a continuous caravan of emi- 
grants [Hishing (m toward Iowa. Duiiug a single 
month 1743 wagons bound for Io« a passed tlirough 
Peoria. vSo remarkable had been the iutluxof |)eo- 
ple into the State, that in an issue of the Burling- 
ton Telegraph appeared the following statement: 
"Twenty thousand emigrants have passed through 
the city within the last thirty days, and the\- are 
still crossing the Mississippi at the rate of 600 a day." 

At the expiration of his term of service, which 
occurred in the latter part of the year 1H.')4. (iov. 
Hempstead returned to liis old homo at Dulnique. 
In 1 .Soo he was elected County .Judge of Dubuque 
County, and so acceptably did he serve the i)eo|ile 
that for twelve years he was chosen to till that po>i- 
tion. Under his administration the principal 
county building, including the jail, poorlioiise, as 
well as some valuable l)ridges, wei'e erecte<l. 
Owing to ill-health he was compelled to retire from 
public life, passing the remainder of liis days in 
quietude and repose at Dubuque. There he lived 
until Feb. IC, 1883. when, at his home, the light of 
liis long and eventful life went out. The record 
he has made, which was an lionorablc and distin- 
guished one, was closed, and Iowa was called iip<pn 
to mourn the loss of one of her most distinguishcil 
pioneer citizens. He had lieen an unusually useful 
man of the State and his services, which were able 
and wise, were rendered in that unselfish sjiirit 
which distinguished so many of the early residents 
of this now prosperous State. 



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AjMES W. grimes, the 

third gentlenmii tu fill the 
Executive Chair of the State 
of Iowa, was born in the 
town of Deering, Hillsbor- 
ough Co., N. H., Oct. -20, 
IsiG. His parents, John and 
Elizabeth (Wilson) Grimes, were 
also natives of the same town. 
The former was born on the 11 th 
of August, 1772, and the mother 
March 19, 1773. They became the 
jiarents of eight children, of whom 
.Tames was the youngest and be- 
came one of the most distinguished 
citizens of Iowa. He attended the 
district schools, and in early childhood evinced an 
unusual taste for learning. Besides attending the 
district schools, the village pastor instructed him 
in Greek and Latin. After completing his jn'epar- 
ations for college, which he did at Hampton Acad- 
em>', he entered Dartmouth College, in August, 
1832, which w.is in the sixteenth year of iiis age. 
He was a hard student, advanced rapidly, and in 
February, 183/), bid adieu to the college halls, and 
with James Walker, of Peterborough, N. H., he lie- 
gan the stud}- of his chosen profession. 



Feeling that his native State afforded too limited 
advantages, and, in fact, being of a rather advent- 
urous disposition, as well as ambitious, he desired 
broader fields in which to carve for himself a fort- 
une. He accordinglj' left the home that had 
sheltered him during his boyhood days, and turn- 
ing his face Westward proceeded until he had 
crossed the great Father of Waters. It was in 
1836, and young Grimes was indeed young to thus 
take upon himself such responsibilities; but pos- 
sessing business tact, determination and tenacity, 
as well as an excellent professional training, he de- 
termined to open an office in the then new to^vii of 
Burlington, Iowa. Here he hung out his shingle, 
and ere long had established a reputation which 
extended far beyond the confines of the little city. 

In April, 1837, he was appointed City Solicitor, 
and entering upon the duties of that office he 
assisted in drawing up the first police laws of that 
town. In 1838 he was appoiute<l Justice of the 
Peace, and liecame a law partner of AVilliani W. 
Chapman, L'liitcd States District Attorney for 
Wisconsin Territory. In the earlj^ part of the year 
1841 he formed a partnership with Henry W.Starr, 
Esq.. which continued twelve j'ears. This firm 
stood at the head of the legal profession in Iowa. 
Mr. Grimes was widely known as a counselor with 



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120 



JAIMES W. GRBIES. 



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superior knowledge of the law, and with a clear 
sense of truth and jvistice. He was chosen one of 
the Representatives of Des Moines Comity in the 
first Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa, 
which convene<l at Burlington, Nov. 12, 1838; in 
the sixth, at Iowa City, Dec. 4, 1843; and in the 
fourth C^enei-al Assembler of the State, at Iowa City, 
IJec. 0, 1.S.V2. lie early took front rank among the 
public men of Iowa. He was Chairman of the 
Judiciary Committee in the House of Representa- 
tives of tlic first Legislative Assembly of the Ter- 
ritory, and all laws for the new Territory passed 
through his hands. 

Mr. (irimes had become prominently identified 
with the Whig party, and Ijeing distinguished as an 
able lawyer, as well as a fair-minded, conscientious 
man. he was a jirominent candidate for (iovernor 
before the couvcntion which met in Februarj', 1854. 
It was tlic largest ci invention of that party ever 
held in Iowa and the last. He was chosen as a nom- 
inee for Governor, was dul^' elected, and in Decem- 
ber,. 1854, assumed the duties of the office. Shortly 
after his election it was proposed that he should go 
to the United States Senate, but he gave his ad- 
mirers to understand that he was determined to fill 
the term of office for which he had been chosen. 
This he did, serving the full term to the entire sat- 
isfaction of all parties. He was a faithful party 
leader, and so able were his services that, while at 
the time of his electi<jn as (Tovernor Democracy 
reigned supreme in the State and its representatives 
in Congress were allied tf) the slave power, he 
turned the State over to the Rei)ubliean party. 

His term of office expired Jan. 14, 1858, when 
he retired from the Executive Chair, only, how- 
ever, to assume the responsibilities of a United 
States Senator. Upon the 4th of March of the fol- 
lowing year he took his seat in the Senate and was 
placed upon the Committee on Naval Affairs, upon 
which lie remained during his Senatorial career, 
serving as Chairman of that important committee 
from December, 18()4. Jan. Iti. 1864, Mr. Grimes 
was again ciiosen to represent Iowa in the Senate 
of tlu United States, receiving all but six of the 
vole> of the General Assembly in joint convention. 

His counsel was often sought in matters of gi-eat 
moment, and in cases of peculiar difficulty. -Al- 



ways ready to promote the welfare of the State, he 
gave, unsolicited, land worth $6,0(10 to the Congre- 
gational College, at Grinnell. It constitutes the 
" Grimes foundation," and '• is to be ai)i)lied to the 
establishment and maintenance in Iowa College, 
forever, of four scholarships, to be awarded by the 
Trustees, on the recommendation of the faculty, to 
the best scholars, and the most |)romising. in any 
department, who may need and seek such aid, and 
without an}- regard to the religious tenets or opin- 
ions entertained by any person seeking either of 
said scholarships." These terms were imposed bj- 
Mr. Grimes, and assumed July 20. 18G5, bj' the 
Trustees. He received the honorary degree of 
LL.D. in 1865 from Dartmouth College, and also 
from Iowa College. He also aided in founding a 
public library in Burlington, donating §5,000. which 
was expended in the purchase of costly boc)ks. and 
subsequently sent from Europe 256 volumes in the 
(•Jerman languiige, and also contributed 600 vol- 
umes of public documents. 

In Januar}', 1869, he made a donation of $i5,000 
to Dartmouth College, and *1,000 to the "Social 
Friend," a literary society of which he was a mem- 
ber when in college. 

His health failing, Mr. (irimes sailed for Europe, 
April 14, 1869, remaining abroad two years, 
reaching home Sept. 2'2, 1871. apparentlv in im- 
proved health and spirits. .In November he cele- 
brated his silver wedding, and si)ent the closing 
months of his life with his family. He voted at 
the city election, Feb. 5. 1872. and was suddenly 
attacked with severe pains in the region of the 
heart, and died after a few short hours of intense 
suffering. 

Senator Grimes was united in marriage at Bur- 
lington, la., Nov. 0. 1846, with Miss Sarah Elizabeth 
Neally, Mr. Grimes stood in the foremost ranks 
among the men of his time, not only in the State 
but of the nation. The 3'oung attorney who left 
the granite hills of New Hampshire for the fertile 
prairies of the West, distinguished himself both as 
an attorney and a statesman. His personal history 
is so inseparably interwoven in that of the histor}' 
of the State that a sketch of his life is indeed but a 
record of the history of his adopted State during 
the years of his manhood and vigor. 







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^ ALPH P. LOWP:, the fourth 
ifii^=^^=->T^,^ Goveruov of the State of 
^ ' Iowa, was boru in Ohio in 

the year IXO.S. and like many 
otliers of the ilistinguished 
men of Iowa, eanie within lier 
borders in early pioneer 
times, lie was a young man 
but a little over thirty 3-ears 
of age when he crossed the great 
Father of Waters, settling upon its 
western bank at the then small vill- 
age of Muscatine. He at once 
identified himself with the interests 
of the growing city, and ere long 
became quite [ironunent in local 
affairs and of recognized aliility in 
questions of public polic}'. He was shortly after- 
ward chiisen as a representative from Muscatine 
County to the Constitutional Convention of 1844, 
whirli framed the Constitution which was rejected 
by the people. 

After this constitutional convention, Mr. Lowe 
took no further- part in public matters for a num- 
ber of years. He removed to Lee County about 
1.S41I or '.")0, where he l)ecame District Judge as a 
successor to (ieorge II. Williams, who was after- 
ward famous as President (rrant's Attorney Gen- 
eral. He was District Judge five years, from 1H;)2 
to 1.S57, being succeeded by Judge Claggett. In 
the summer of \x.'>~ he was nominated by the Re- 
publicans for (Governor of Iowa, with Oran Faville 
for Lieutenant-Governor. The Democracy put in 





the field Benjamin M. Samuels for Governor and 
George Gillaspy for Lieutenant-Governor. There 
was a third ticket in the field, supi)orted by the 
American or " Know-Nothing " party, and liearing 
the names of T. F. Henry and Kaston Morris. 
The election was held in October, IJSoT, and gave 
Mr. Lowe 3«,498 votes, against 36,088 for Mr. 
Samuels, and 1,000 for Mr. Henry. 

Hitherto the term of office had been tour _>ears, 
but by an amendment to the Constitution this was 
now reduced to two. Gov. Lowe was inaug- 
urated Jan. 14, 1858, and at once sent his fir.st 
message to the Legislature. Among the measures 
l)assed b}- this Legislature were l)ills to incorporate 
the State Bank of Iowa; to provide for an agricult- 
ural college; to authorize the business of banking; 
disposing of the land grant made by Congress to 
the Des Moines \'alley Railroad; to provide for 
the erection of an institution for the education of 
the l>lind, and to provide for taking a State census. 

No events of importance occurred during the 
administration of Gov. Lowe, but it was not a 
period of uninterrupted pi-osperity. The Governor 
said in his biennial message of Jan. 10, 1860, 
reviewing the preceeding two years: "The period 
that has elapsed since the last biennial session has 
■ been one of great disturbing causes, and of anxious 
solicitude to all classes of our fellow-citizens. The 
first year of this period was visited with heavy and 
continuous rains, which reduced the measure of 
our field crops below one-half of the usual i)roduct, 
whilst the financial rev\dsion which connnenced 
upon the Atlantic coast in the autumn of 1857, did 



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not reach its climax fur evil in our borders until 
the year just past." 

He referred at Icnjitli to the claim of the State 
against the Federal Government, and said that lie 
had aijpealed in vain to the Secretary of the Inte- 
rior for the [)ayment of the o per cent upon the 
military land warrants that the State is justly en- 
titled to, which then approximated to a million of 
dollars. The payment of this fund, he said, " is 
not a mere favor which is asked of the General 
Government, but a subsisting right which could be 
enforced in a court of justice, were there a tribunal 
of this kind clothed with the requisite jurisdiction." 

The subject of the Dcs jMoines River gi-aut re- 
ceived from the tJovernor special attention, and he 
gave a history of the operations of the State author- 
ities in reference to obtaining the residue of the 
lands to which the State was entitled, and other in- 
formation as to the progress of the work. He also 
remarked '• that under the act authorizing the Gov- 
ernor to raise a conipanj' of mounted men for de- 
fense and protection of our frontier, approved 
Fel>. ',), 18,58, a company of thirty such men, known 
as the Frontier Guards, armed and equipped as re- 
quired, were organized and mustered into service 
under the command of Capt. Hemy B. Martin, of 
Webster C'it}', al)out the 1st of March then follow- 
ing, and were divided into two companies, one 
stationed on the Little Sioux River, the other at 
Spirit Lake. Their presence afforded security and 
gave quiet to the settlements in that region, and 
after a service of four months they were disbanded. 

" Late in the fall of the year, however, gi'eat 



alarm and consternation was again felt in the 
region of Spirit Lake and Sioux River settlements, 
produced by the ajipearance of large numbers of 
Indians on the border, whose bearing was insolent 
and menacing, and who were charged with clan- 
destinely running off the stock of the settlers. 
The most urgent appeals came from these settlers, 
invoking again the protection of the State. From 
representations made of the imminence of their 
danger and the losses ab'eady sustained, the Gov- 
ernor summoned into the field once more the 
frontier guards. After a service of four or five 
months they were again discharged, and paid in the |lt 
manner prescribed in the act under which they were - 
called out." 

Gov. Lowe was beaten for the renominalion 
by Hon. S. J. Kirkwood, who was considered 
much the stronger man. To compensate him for 
his defeat for the second term. Gov. Lowe 
was appointed one of the three Judges under the 
new Constitution. He drew the short term, which 
expired in 1861, but was returned and served, all 
told, eight years. He then returned to the })rac- 
tice of law, gradually working into a claim busi- 
ness at Washington, to which city he removed 
about 1874. In that city he died, on Saturday, 
Dec. 22, 1883. He had a large familJ^ Carleton, 
one of his sons, was an officer in the Third Iowa 
Cavalry during the war. 

Gov. Lowe was a man of detail, accurate and 
industrious. In private and public life he was 
pure, upright and honest. In religious faith he 
was inclined to be a Spkitualist. 




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HE fifth Governor of Iowa 
was Samuel J. Kirkwood. 
Ill' was horn, in Hartfortl 
C'<mnty, Md., on his father's 
farm, Dec. 20. 1813. His 
father was twice married, 
first to a lady named Coulson, 
who became the mother < tf two 
sons. After the death of this 
companion, the elder Kirkwood 
was united in marriage with 
Jlary Alexander, who bore him 
three children, all of whom were 
sons. Of this little familj' Samuel 
was the j'oungest, and when ten 
j'ears of age was sent to Washington City to at- 
tend a school taught by John JIcLeod, a relative of 
the family. Here he remained for four 3'ears, giv- 
ing diligent attention to his studies, at the close of 
which time he entered a drug store at Washington 
as clerk. In this capacity he continued with the 
exception of eighteen months, until he reached his 
majority. During the interval referred to, young 
Kirkwo(jd was living the life of a pedagogue in 
York County, Pa. 

In the year 1835. Samuel quit Washington and 
came westward to Richland County. Ohio. His 
father and brother had i)receded him from Mary- 
land, locating upona timliered farm in the liuckeye 
State. Here .Samuel lent them valuable assistance 
in clearing the farm. He was ambitions to enter 
the legal profession, and in thej'ear 1841, un oppor- 



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tunity was afforded him to enter the office of 
Thomas A\'. Bartley, afterward Governor of Ohio. 
The following two jears he gave diligent applica- 
ti(m t(j his books, and in 1843, was admitted to 
practice by the Supreme Court of Ohio. He was 
then fortunate enough to form an association in 
the practice of his profession with his former pre- 
ceptor, which relations continued for eight years. 

From 1845 to 1849 he served as Prosecuting 
Attorney of his county. In 1849 he was elected 
as a Democrat to represent his county and district 
in the Constitutional Convention. In 1851 Mr. 
Bartley, his partner, having been elected to the 
Supreme .Judiciary of the State, Kirkwood formed 
a ijartnership with Barnabas Barns, with whom he 
continued to practice until the spring of 1855, 
when he removed to the West. 
- Up to 1854 Mr. Kirkwood had acted with the 
Democratic party. But the measures proposed and 
sustained that year by the Democracy in Congress, 
concentrated in what was known as the Kansas- 
Nebraska Act. drove him with hosts of anti-slavery 
Democrats out of the party. He was besonght by 
the opposition in the •• Richland District " to be- 
come their candidate for Congress, but declined. 
In 1855 he came to Iowa and settled two miles 
northwest of Iowa City, entering into a partnership 
with his brother-in-law, Ezekiel Clark, in the mOl- 
hig Inisiness, and kejit aloof from public affairs. 
He could not long conceal his record and abilities 
from his neighbors, however, and in 1856 he was 
elected to the State Senate from the district com- 






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SAINIUEL .1. KIRKWoOn. 



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posed of the counties of Iowa and Johnson, and 
served in the last session of the Legislature held at 
Iowa City and tiic first one hehl at Des Moines. 

In 185!> Mr. Kirkwood was made the .'^tandard- 
hearer of the Hepitlilicans of Iowa, and though he 
had as able and |)(>j)ular a conipetitur as (ieii. A. 
C. Dodge, lie was elected (iovernor of Iowa by a 
majority of over ;!.()(MI. lie was inaugurated .Ian. 
II. l.siJO. Uefoie the expir.ition of liis first term 
canu' the great Civil War. As Governor, during 
tlie darkest daj's of tlie Rebellion, he performed an 
exeeedingl3- important duty. He secured a prompt 
resi)ouse by volunteers to all requisitions by the 
Federal (iovernnient on the .State for troops, so 
that during his Governorship no "draft" took 
phu'e in Iowa, and no regiment, except the first, 
enlisted for less than three years. At the same 
time lie maintained the State's financial credit. 
The Legislature, at its extra session in ItSlil, 
authorized the .sale of §800.000 in bonds, to assist 
in arming and ecpiipping troops. .So frugally was 
this work done, that l)ut |!;jOO,000 of the bonds 
wei'e sold, and the remaining §.500,0oil not having 
been required, the liond? representing this amount 
were destroyed by order of the succeeding Legis- 
lature. 

In October, I8()l, (iov. Kirkwood was, witli com- 
paratively little opposition, re-elected — an honor 
accorded for the first time in the history of the 
St.ite. His majority was about l.s,0()0. During 
his second term he was appointed liy President 
Lincoln to be .M iiiister to Denmark, liut he declined 
to enter upon his di))lomatic duties until the expir- 
ation of his term as (iovernor. The position was 
kept open for him until that time. but. when it 
came, pressing private business comi)elli'(l a dcilin- 
ation of the office altogether. 

In January, 1866, he was a prominent candidate 
before the Legisl.ature for Lnited Males Senator. 
Senator Harlan had resigned the Senatoiship upon 




his appointment to the ortice of Seeretiiry of the 
Interior by President Lincoln, just before his 
death, but had withdrawn frmii the cabinet soon 
after the accession of Mr. Johnson to tin/ Presi- 
dency. In this way it happened that lli<> Legisla- 
tiu'e had two terms of United .States .Senator to till, 
a sliort term of two years, to fill Harlan's unexi>ireii 
term, and a long term of six years to immediately 
succeed this; and Harlan had now become a candi- 
date for his own successorship, to which Kirkwood 
also asjiired. Ultimately, Kirkwood was elected 
for the first and Harlan for the second term. Dur- 
ing his brief Senatorial service. Kirkwood did not 
hesitate to measure swords with Senator Sunuiei-, 
whose natural egotism had begotten in him an ar- 
rogant and dictatorial manner, borne with humbly 
until then bj' his colleagues, in deferenee to his 
long exijerience and eminent ability, but unpalata- 
ble to an independent Western Senator like Kirk- 
wood. 

At the close of his Senatorial term. .March I, 
1<S()7, he resumed the practice of law, whieli a few 
years later he relinquished to accept the Presitlency 
of the Iowa City Savings Bank. In l.s7."i he was 
again elected Governor, and was inaugurated .Ian. 
13, 1876. He served but little over a j'ear. as 
early in 1877 he was chosen United States Senator. 
He filled this posititm four years, resigning to be- 
come .Secretary of the Interior in President (Jai-- 
field's Cabinet. In this office he w;is succeeded, 
April 17, 1882, by Henry M. Teller, of Colora<lo. 

Gov. Kirkwood returned to Iowa City, his home, 
whei'e he still resides, being now advanced in years. 
He was married in 1843, to Miss Jane Clark, a na- 
tive of Ohio. 

In issi; Mr. Kirkw I was noinniated for Con- 
gress bv the Uepuiiliejins of his district. Consider- 
able interest was nninifested in the contest, as l)otli 
the Labor and Democratic parties ha<l popular can- 
ilidales in the field. 



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ILLIAJI M. STONE, the 

ixth (Governor of Iowa, was 
bora Oct. 14, 1827. His 
Ijarents, Tiunian and IjH- 
vina (North) .Stone, who 
were of English ancestry, 
moved to Lewis Count}-, N. 
Y., when William was but a 
j'ear old. "William's grandfather. Aaron 
Stone, was in the second war with En- 
gland. When our subject was six years 
of age his parents moved into Ohio, lo- 
cating in Coshocton County. Like many 
other self-made men, AVilliam M. had few 
advantages. He never attended a school 
of any kind more than twelve months. 
In l>oyhood he was for two seasons a team-driver 
on the Ohio Canal. At seventeen he was appren- 
ticed to the chairmaker's trade, and he followed 
that business until he was twent^y-three years of 
age, reading law meantime during his spare hours, 
wherever he happened to be. He commenced at 
Coshocton, with James Jlathews, who afterward 
became his father-in-law ; continued his reading 
with Gen. Lucius V. Pierce, of Aki-on, and finished 
with Ezra B. Taylor, of Ravenna. He was admitted 
to the bar in August, 1 8.5 1 , by Peter Hitchcock 
and Rufus P. Ranney, Supreme Judges, holding a 
term of court at Ravenna. 



After practicing three years at Coshocton with 
his old preceptor, James Mathews, he. in November, 
1854, settled in Knoxville, which has remained his 
home since. The year after locating here Mr. 
Stone purchased the Knoxville Journal, and was 
one of the prime movers in forming the Republican 
partj' in Iowa, being the first editor to suggest a 
State Convention, which met Feb. 22, 1856, and 
completed the organization. In the autumn of the 
same year he was a Presidential elector on the Re- 
publican ticket. 

In April, 1857, Mr. Stone was chosen Judge of 
the Eleventh Judicial District. He was elected 
Judge of the Sixth Judicial District when the new 
Constitution went into operation in 1858, and was 
serving on the bench when the American flag was 
stricken down at Fort Sumter. At that time, 
April, 1861, he was holding court in Fairfield, 
.Jefferson Count}-, and when the news came of the 
insult to the old flag he immediatel}- adjourned 
court and prepared for what he believed to be more 
important duties — duties to his country. 

In May he enlisted as a private ; was made Cap- 
tain of Co. B, Third Iowa Inf., and was subse- 
quently promoted to Major. With that regiment 
he was at the battle of Blue Mill. Mo., in Septem- 
ber, 1861, where he was wounded. At Shiloh, the 
following spring, he commanded the regiment and 
was taken prisoner. By order of Jefferson Davis 



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WILLIAM M. STONE. 



he was paroled for the time of forty days, with 
orders to repair to Washington, and if i)ossible 
secure an agreement for a cartel for a general ex- 
cliange of i)risonors, and to return as a prisoner if 
lie did not succeed. Failing to secure that result 
within the period specified, he returned to Rich- 
iiionil and had his |)arole extended fifteen days; re- 
piiiring again to Washington, he ctTected his pur- 
pose and was exchanged. 

In August, 1802, he was ai)pointed by Gov. 
Kirkwood Colonel of the Twenty-second Iowa 
InfantiT, which rendezvoused and organized at 
Camp Poi)e, Iowa City, the same month. The 
regiment was occui)ied for several months in guard- 
ing sujiply stores and tlie railroad, and escorting 
supply trains to the Army of the Southeast Mis- 
souri until Jan. 27, 18G3, when it received orders 
to join the army under Gen. Davidson, at West 
Plains, Mo. After a march of five days it readied 
its destination, and was brigaded with the Twenty- 
first and Twenty-third bjwa regiments, Col. Stone 
commanding, and was designated the First Brigade, 
First Division. Army of Southeast Missouri. April 
1 found Col. .Stone at Milliken's Bend, La., to assist 
Grant in the caiiture of Vicksburg. He was now 
in immeiliate command of his regiment, which 
formed a part of a brigade under Col. C. L. Harris, 
of the Fjleventh Wisconsin. In the advance ujion 
Port Gil:)Son Col. Harris was taken sick, and Col. 
iStone was again in charge of a brigade. In the 
battle of Port Giljson the Colonel and his com- 
mand distinguished themselves, and were successful. 



The brigade was in the reserve at Champion Hills.' 
and in active skirmish at Black River. 

On the evening of IMay 21 Col. Stone received 
Gen. Grant's order for a general assault on the 
enemy's lines at 10 A. M. on the 22d. In this 
charge, which was unsuccessful, Col. Stone was 
again wounded, receiving a gunshot in the left 
forearm. Col. Stone commanded a l)rigade until 
the last of August, when, being ordered to the Gulf 
Department, he resigned. He had become very 
popular with the people of Iowa. 

He was nominated in a Republican convention, 
held at Des Moines in June, 18G3, and was elected 
by a very large majoritJ^ He was lireveted Brig- 
adier-General in 1864, during his first year as Gov- 
ernor. He was inaugurated Jan. 14, 18(54, and was 
re-elected in 1865, his four years in office closing 
Jan. 16, 1868. His majority in 1863 was nearly 
30,000, and in 1865 about 16,500. His diminished 
vote in 1865 was due to the fact that he was very 
strongl}' committed in favor of negro suffrage. 

Gov. Stone made a very energetic and efficient 
Executive. Since the expiration of his gubernatorial 
term he has sought to escape the public notice, and 
has given his time to his private business interests. 
He is in partnership with Hon. O. B. Ayres, of 
Knoxville, in legal jn-aetice. 

He was elected to the General Assembly in 1877, 
and served one term. 

In May, 1857, he married Miss Carloaet Mathews, 
a native of Ohio, then residing in Knoxville. They 
have one son — William A. 








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^ AMUEL IMERRILL, Governor 
from 180S to 187'2, was born 
in Oxford County, Maine, 
Aug. 7, 1822. He is a de- 
scendant on his mother's side 
of Peter Hill, wh(j came frc)m 
P^ngland and settled in Maine 
in 1653. From this ancestry have 
sprung most of the Hills in Ameri- 
ca. On his father's side he is a de- 
ccndant of Nathaniel Merrill, who 
came from England in 163(5, and lo- 
cated in Massachusetts. Nathaniel 
had a son, Daniel, who in turn had 
a son named John, and he in turn 
begat a son called Thomas. The 
latter was born Dec. 18, 1708. On the 4th of Aug- 
ust, 1728, was born to him a son, Samuel, who was 
m.arried and had a family of twelve children, one of 
whom, Abel, was taken by his father to Boston in 
1750. Abel was married to Elizabeth Page, who 
had five children, one of whom, Aljel, Jr., was the 
1|S father of our subject. He married Abigail Hill 
^^ June 25, 1809, and to them were Ijorn eight chil- 
lis dren, Samuel being the youngest but one. At the 
liS age of sixteen Samuel moved with his parents to 
Buxton, Maine, the native i)lace of his mother, 
where his time was employed in turns in teaching 
and attending school until he attained his majoritj'. 
1^ Having determined to make teaching a profession, 
1 1 and feeling that the South offered better opportu- 
nities, he immediatelj^ set out for th.it section. He 



remanied, however, but a short time, as he says " he 
was l)orn too far North." Suspicion having lieen 
raised as to his abolition principles and finding the 
element not altogether congenial, he soon al>andoned 
the sunny South and went to the old Granite State, 
where the next several years were spent in farming. 
In 1847 he moved to Tam worth, N. H., wiiere he r 
engaged in the mercantile business in company with 
a brother, in whicli he was quite successful. Not 
being satisfied witii the limited resources of Norths 
ern New England he determined to try his good 
fortune on the broad prairies of the fertile West. 

It was in the year 1856 that Mr. Merrill turned 
his face toward the setting sun, finding a desirable 
location near McGregor, Iowa, where he estal)lished 
a branch house of the old firm. Tlie population in- 
creased, as also did their trade, and their house be- 
came one of the most extensive wholesale establish- 
ments on the Upper Mississippi. During all these 
years of business jNIr. Merrill took an active part in 
politics. In 1854 he was chosen on the aliolition 
ticket to the Legislature of New Hampshire. Tlie 
following year he was again returned to tlie Legis- 
lature, and doubtless had he remained iu that State 
would have risen still higher. In coming to Iowa 
his experience and ability were demanded by his 
neighbors, and he was here called into public serv- 
ice. He was sent to the Legislature, and though 
assenil)led with the most distinguished men of his 
time, took a leading part in the inijiortant services 
demanded of that body. The Legislature was con- 
vened in an extra session of 1801, to provide for 



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SAMUEL MERRILL. 



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the cxinfeiicies f)f tlic Rebellion, .ind in its deliber- 
!itiiiii« Ml'. Mniiil took an active part. 

Ill ilic -iiiiiiiuT of 1,S(;2. Mr. Mei-rill wascommis- 
-ioiHil ( oloiu'l <il' tlic -ilst Iowa Infantry, and iin- 
iiuHli:itcly went to the fiont. At the time Marnia- 
diikr «:i- iiicnaciiiji' the Cnion forces in Missouri. 
uliiili i;illcd for |iroin|it action on the |)art of the 
I iiioii ( ;cnci:il>. Col. Merrill \v:i> placed in com- 
111.111(1. uitli ilctaclmieuts of the 21st Iowa and !)9tli 
llliiioi~. .1 portion of the ■Id Iowa Cavalry and two 
pifco of .■iitillcr\ . with orders to make a forced 
iii.-irch to Spriniilield. he lieing' at the time eighty 
iiiile> ilistant. On the morning of .Tan. 11, 18()3, 
Ik' caiiie ncro.s^ a liody of Confederates who were 
adv.Miicing in heavy force. Inime(liate preparations 
for battle were made liy Col. Merrill, and after brisk- 
ly tiling for Mil hour, the enemy fell back. Merrill 
then moved in tlic direction of Ilartville. where he 
found the enemy in force under Marmaduke, being 
about eight thon.-^and .stnmg. while Merrill had but 
one-tenth of that uiunlier. A hot struggle ensued 
iu which the Twenty -first distinguished itself. The 
Confederate loss was several officers and three hun- 
di-ed men killed and wounded, while the I'nion loss 
was lint f-even killed and sixty-four wounded. The 
following winter the regiment performed active 
.service, taking part in the camijaigii of Vicksburg. 
It fought under McClernand at Port (iibson, and 
while making the famous ' charge of Black River 
r.riilge. Col. .Merrill was severely' wounded through 
the hip. He was laid up from the 17th of May to 
.I.iiiiiaiy. when he again joined his regiment in 
Tc\:is. and in .lune, 1H(;4, on account of suffering 
from hi> wound, resigned and returned to Mc- 
(iregor. In ISCT .Mr, Merrill was chosen (iov- 
ernor of the Stale, being elected upon the Repub- 
lican ti<ket. lie served with such satisfactitin, that 
in is(;:i lie w;is re-nominated and accordingly 
elected. 

Under the administration of (iov, Merrill, 
the movement for- the erection of the new .State 
Hou.se was inauguiatcd. 'I he 'Ihirteenth (Jeneial 
Assembly providecl for the laiilding at a cost of 
^1,500,000, and made ••in .■ippropriatioii with wliii'h 
to begin the work of ¥l-">ii,i)iiii. W itii thi> Mini the 
work was begun, and Nov. 2.'i. l.sTl, the coriiei 
stone was laid in the presence of citizens from all 



parts of the State. On this occasion the Governor |;ji 
delivered the address. It was an historical view i>f |ii{ 
the incidents culminating in the hibors of the ilay. 5;[j 
It was replete with historical facts, showed patient 3 
research, was logical and argumentative, and at times gi; 
eloipient with the fire ;uid genius (rf American pa- gL 
triotism. It is a paper worthy of the occasion, 
and does justice to the head and heart that con- 
ceived it. 

During the gubernatorial career of (iov. Mer- 
rill, extending thrcjugh two terms, from Janu- 
ary', 18(58, to .lanuary, 1.S72, he was actively en- 
gaged in the discharge of his official duties, and 
probably no incumbent of that office ever devoted 
himself more earnestly to the public good, stand- 
ing by the side of (iov, Fairchild, of Wisconsin. 
The two were instrumental in placing the slack- 
water navigation between the Mississippi and the 
Lakes iu the way of ultimate and certain success. 
The (iovernor treated this subject to gi-eat length 
and with marked aliility in his message to the Thir- 
teenth (ieneral Assemblj', and so earnest was he in 
liehalf of this improvement, that he again discussed 
it in his message to the Fourteenth Oeneral Assem- 
lily. In the instigation of the work the Governors 
of the ditferent States interested, called conventions, 
and through the deliberations of these assemblies 
the aid of the General (iovernment was secured. 

Samuel Meriill was first married to Catherine 
Thomas, who died in 1847, fourteen months after 
their marriage. In January, 18.J1, he was united 
in marriage with a Miss Hill, of Buxton, Maine. 
She became the mother of four children, three of 
whom died young, the eldest living to be onlj' two 
and a half years old. 

After the expiration of his public service he re- 
turned to McGregor, but shortly afterward removed 
to Des Moines, where he is now residing, and is 
President of the Citizens' National Bank. 

Thus In-ierty have been pointed out the leading 
features in the life of one of Iowa's most promi- 
nent citizens, and one who has made an honorable 
record both in public positions and private enter- 
[iiiscs. lie i> highly esteemed in the city where he 
resides and is regarded as one of the faithful rep- 
resentatives of the sons of New England. In stat- 
ure he is fully six feet high and finely proportioned. 







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YRUS CLAY CARPEJJTER, 

Governor of Iowa from lts72 
to 1875, iuclusive, was born 
in Susquehanna Countj', Pa., 
Nov. 24, 1829. He was left 
an orphan at an early age, his 
mother dj'ing when he was at 
the age of ton j'ears, and his father two 
years later. He was left in destitute 
circumstances, and went first to learn 
the trade of a clothier, which, however, 
he abandoned after a few months, and 
engaged with a farmer, giving a term 
in the winter, however, to attendance 
upon the district school. AYhen eighteen 
he began teaching school, and the fol- 
lowing four years divided his time between teach- 
ing and attending the acadeni}^ at Hartford. At 
the conclusion of this period he went to Ohio, 
where he engaged as a teacher for a year and a 
lialf, spending the summer at farm work. 

In the year 1854 Mr. Carpenter came further 
westward, visiting many points in Illinois and 
Iowa, arriving at Dcs Moines, then a village of 
some 1,200 inhabitants. This place, however, not 
offering a favorable location, he proceeded on his 
journey, arriving in Fort Dodge June 28, 1854. 
Owing to his being without funds he was compelled 
to travel on foot, in which way the journe}^ to Fort 
Dodge was made, with his entire worldlj- posses- 
sions in a carpet-sack which he carried in his hand. 
He soon found employment at Fort Dodge, as as- 
sistant to a Government surveyor. This work be- 



ing completed, young Carpenter assisted his land- 
lord in cutting hay, but soon secured another I 
}30sition as a surveyor's assistant. In the earl}' 
part of the following January he engaged -in teach- 
ing school at Fort Dodge, but in the spring was 
employed to take charge of a set of surveyors in 
surveying the counties of Emmet and Kossuth. 

On his return to Fort Dodge he found the land- 
office, which had been established at that place, 
was about to open for the sale of land. Being 
familiar with the country and the location of the 
best land, he opened a private land-office, and 
found constant and profitable employment for the 
following three years, in platting and surveying 
lands for those seeking homes. During this period 
he became extensivelj- known, and, being an active 
Republican, he was chosen as a standard-bearer for 
his section of the State. He was elected to the 
Legislature in the autumn of 1857. In 18(J1, on 
the l)reaking out of the Rebellion, he volunteered 
and was assigned to duty as Commissary of Sub- 
sistence, much of the time being Chief Commissary 
of the left wing of the IGth Army Corps. In 1804 
he was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and assigned 
to duty on the staff of Gen. Logan, as Chief Com- 
missary of the 15th Army Corps. He continued in 
the service until the close of the war. and in 
August, 18G5, was mustered out. 

Upon the close of his service to his countr}- he 
returned to his home at Fort Dodge, bnt,^ owing to 
so man}' changes which had taken jtlace, and such 
an influx of enterprising men into the city, he 
found his once prosperous business in the hands of 



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CYRUS CLAY CARPENTER. 



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otliers. He turned liis attention to the improve- 
ment of a piece of land, where he remained until 
liis election, in the autumn of 1866, as Register of 
the Stiite Lnnd-Ollicc. lie was re-elected in 1868, 
and refused the nomination in 1870. This position 
took him to Des Moines, but in 1870 he returned 
to Fort D(Klge. During the summer of the follow- 
ing 3ear he was nominated liy the Republican party 
for (iovernor. He was elected, and inaugurated as 
Chief Executive of Iowa Jan. 11, 1872. In 1873 
he was renominated by his part}', and October 14 
of tliat year was re-elected, his inauguration taking 
place Jan. 27, 1874. Gov. Carpenter was an able, 
popular and faithful Executive, and was regarded 
as one of the most honest, prominent and unselfish 
officials the State ever had. Plain, unassuming, 
modest, he won his public jjosition more through 
the enthusiasm of his friends than bj- any jiersonal 
effort or desire t>f his own. Everj where, at all 
times and upon all occasions, he demoiistrated that 
the conlidence of his friends was justified. lie took 
an active i)art in the great question of monopolies 
and transportation evils, which during his adniinis- 
Iratiou were so prominent, doing much t(j secure 
wise legislation in these respects. 

(iov. Carpenter lias been regarded as a public 
speaker of more than ordinary aliility, and has 
u|nin nianv occasions been the orator, and always 
aiiiireriated by the i)eoi)le. 

At the expiration of his second term as Governor 
JVIi-. Carpenter was aiipointed Second Comptroller 
of the United States Treasury, which position he 
resigned after a service of fifteen months. This 
step was an evidence of his unselfishness, as it was 
taken because another Bureau officer was to be dis- 
missed, as it was held that Iowa had more heads of 
Kurcaus than she was entitled to, and his resigning 
an otlice of tiie higher grade saved the position to 
another. In 1.S81 he was elected to Congress, and 
served with aliility, and in the Twentieth General 
Assembly of Iowa he represented Webster Comity. 

Gov. Carpenter was married, in March, 1864, to 
Miss Susan P.urkholder, of Fort Dodge. No chil- 
dren have l)een born to them, but they have reared 
a niece of 31 rs. Carpenter's. 

Diwing his entire life Mr. Carpenter has been de- 
voted to the priucii)les of Reform and the best 



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interests of all classes of citizens who, bj- adoption 
or by birth-right, are entitled to a home upon our 
soil and the protectioii of our laws, under the great 
charter of '• Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Hap- 
piness." In an address in 1852 he took advanced 
views upon the leading subjects of public interest. 
He had already laid the foimdation for that love of 
freedom which afterwards found an ami)le field of 
labor with the Republican pal•t3^ There was noth- 
ing chimerical in his views. He looked at every 
strata of human society, and, from the wants of the 
masses, wisely devined duty and prophesied destinj'. 
He would have the people of a free Republic edu- 
cated in the spirit of the civilization of the age. 
Instead of cultivating a taste fi ■■ a species of liter- 
ature tending directly to degrade the mind and 
deprave the heart, thereby leading back to a state 
of superstition and consequent barbarism, he would 
cultivate princii)les of temperance, industry and 
economy in every j'outhful mind, as the indispens- 
able ingredients of good citizens, or subjects upon 
whose bar.ner will be inscribed Liberty, Equality, 
Fraternity. 

Thus earl}' in life Mr. Carpenter saw the destined 
tendency of our American institutions, and the ad- 
vancing civilization of the age. He saw it in the 
peace congress, whose deliberations have made the 
Rhine thrice immortal. He .saw it in the jirospect- 
ive railway, which he believed woidil one day 
unite the shores of the Atlantic with those of the 
Pacific — a fact realized bj' the construction of the 
great continental railwaj-. 

It was thus early that he began to studj- the 
wants of the world, and with what clearness and 
directness may be seen by the correctness of his 
vision and the accomplishment of what he consid- 
ered an inevitable necessity. 

Thus, growing up into manhood, and passing on- 
ward in the rugged pathwaj' of time, disciplined in 
political economy and civil ethics in the stern 
school of experience, he was prepared to meet every 
emergency with a stead}' hand ; to bring order out 
of discord, and insure' harmony and prosperity. 

Gov. Carpenter is now engaged in the quiet pur- 
suits of farm life, residing at Fort Dodge, whci-e 
he is highly esteemed as one of her purest minded 
and most uiu'ight citizens. 



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OSHUA G. NEWBOLD, the 
ninth Governor of Iowa, is 
a native of Pennsylvania, 
lie conies from tliat excellent 
stock linown as the Friends, 
who very early settled in 
'"'■_ :ff New Jersej-. Joshua G. is the 
son of Barzilla and Catherine 
(House) Newbold. and was born 
\^ in Fa3'ette C"onnt3-, May 12, 
1x30. He was born a farmer's 
boy and was reared in the vigor- 
ous employment of farm work. 
Wlien he was eight years of age the 
family moved to Westmoreland 
Count}', Pa., where, in the common 
schools and in a select school or academy, young 
Newbdld received his education. AVhen sixteen 
years of age he accompanied the familj' on their re- 
turn to Fayette County. Here for the following 
eiiilit years he assisted his father in running a flour- 
ing-mill as well as devoting much of his time to 
teaching school. When about nineteen years of 
age our sul)ject liegan the study of medicine, de- 
voting much of his time while teaching to his med- 
ical books. He, however, abandoned the idea of 
becoming a physician and turned his attention to 
different walks in life. 

In the month of March, 1854, Mr. Newbold re- 
moved to Iowa, locating on a farm, now partly in 
the corporation of Mount Pleasant, Hemy County. 



At the end of one year he removed to Cedar 
Township, Van Buren Count}^ there merchandising 
and farming till about 1860. when he removed to 
Hillsboro, Henry County, and pursued the same 
callings. 

In 1862, when the call was made for 600,000 men 
to finish the work of crushing the Rebellion, jMr. 
Newbold left his farm in the hands of his family 
and his store in charge of his partner, and went into 
the army as Captain of Companj' C, 25th Regiment 
of Iowa Infanti-y. He served nearly three years, 
resigning just before the war closed, on account of 
disability. During the last two or three months he 
served at the South he filled the position of Judge 
Advocate, with headquarters at AVoodville, Ala. 

His regiment was one of those that made Iowa 
ti'oops famous. It arrived at Helena, Ark., in 
November, 1862, and sailed in December following 
on the expedition against Mcksl)urg by way of 
Chickasaw Bayou. At the latter place was its first 
engagement. Its second was at Arkansas Post, and 
there it suffered severely-, losing in killed and 
wounded more than sixty. 

After Lookout Mountain it joined in the pursuit 
of Bragg's flj'ing forces to Ringgold, where it en- 
gaged the enemy in their strong works, November 
27, losing twenty-nine wounded. The following 
year it joined Sherman in his Atlanta Campaign, 
then on the famous march to the sea and through 
the Carolinas. 

On returning to Iowa he contianed in the mer- 



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JOSHUA G. NEWBOLD. 



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cantile trade at Hillsboro for three or four years, 
and then sold out, skiving thereafter his whole at- 
tention to agriculture, stock-raising and stock-deal- 
ing, making tiie stock department nn important 
factor in iiis business for several years. Mr. New- 
hold was a raenil)er of the 1 3th, 14th and 1.5th Gen- 
eral Assenililies. rejjresenting Henry Countj% and 
was Chairman of the Sdiool Committee in the 14th, 
and of the committee on apjjrojiriations in the 15th 
(ieneral Assembly. In the loth (1874) he was tem- 
porary S|)caker during the deadlock in organizing 
tile House. In 187;') he was elected Lieutenant 
(iovernor on the Republican ticket with Samuel .1. 
Kirkwood. 

His Democratic competitor was E. D. Woodward, 
who received '.):3, ()(!() votes. Mr. Newbold received 
l.i4,l(i(), or a majority of 3.1, lOG. Governor Kirk- 
wo(;d Ix'ing elected L'nited States Senator during 
that session, Mr. Newbold became Governor, taking 
the cliair F'eb. 1. 1877. and vacating it for Gov. 
(iear in Januar}'. 187!^. 

(iov. Newbold's message to the Legislature 
in 1H7.S, sliows painstaking care and a clear, busi- 
ness-lilve view of the interests of the State. His 
recommendations were carefully considered and 
largely a<lopted. Tlie State's finances were then in 
a less creditable condition than ever before or 
since, as there was an increasing floating debt, then 
amounting to §340,82{i..')0. more than ^',)0,0()0 in 
excess of the Constitutional limitation. Said (iov. 
Xcwliold in his message: "The commonwealth 
ought not to set an example of dilatoriness 
ill meeting its obligations. Of all forms of indebt- 
edni'ss. that of a floating character is the most ob- 
jectionable. The uncertainty as to its amount will 



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invariably enter into any computation made by per- s J 
sons contracting with the State for sui)plies. mater- ~\ 
ial or labor. To remove the present dithculty. and : ^ 
to avert its recurrence. I look upon as the most im- : ^ 
portant work that will demand your attentir)n." : S 

One of the greatest problems liefore statesmen is ; jji 
that of equal and jnst taxation. The following : '^ 
recommendation sliows that Gov. Newbold was 
abreast with foremost thinkers, for it pi-oposes a 3 { 
step which yearly finds more favor witli the [icopl.': : ;| 
"The inequalities of the personal-pro|)erty vain- ; 
ations of the several counties suggest to my mind 5; 
the propriety of so adjusting the State's levy as to a, 
require the counties to pay into the State treasury 5f } 
only the tax on realty, leaving the corresponding Br;} 
tax on personalty in the county treasury. This gli 
would rest with each county the ailjustinent of its S' 
own personal property valuations, without fear that J:: 
they might be so high as to woik injustice to itself 
in eomparisfin with other counties." 

Gov. Newbold has always affiliated witii the 
Republican party, and holds to its great cardinal 
doctrines, having once embraceil them, with the gi; 
same sinceritv and honestv that he choiishes his re- B!?, 
ligious sentiments. He has been a Christian for "'^^ 
something like twenty-five years, his coimection be- 
ing with tiie Free-Will Baptist Church. He found 
his wife, Rachel Farquhar. in Fayette County, Pa., 
their union tiiking |)lace on the 2d of May, 1850. 
They have had five children and lost two. The 
names of the living are Mary AUene, Emma 
Irene and (ieorge C. 

The Governor is not yet an old man. ami may 
serve his State or countj" in other capacities in the 
coming years. 





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OHN H. GEAR, tlie tenth 
geiitlein<aii to occup}' the 
Kxt'c-iitive Chair of luwa, is 
-till a ix'sideut of Burlington. 
Ill' is a native of the Empire 
State, where in tiie city of 
Ithiea, April 7. 182."), he was horn. 
Rev. V^. (t. Geai, liis father, was 
born in New London, Conn., in 
17112, and became a distinguished 
clergyman of the Prt>testaiit 
Epi-scfiiial Church. His family had 
reniuved with him, while he was 
still young, to Pittsfield, iMass.,and 
in the 3ear ISK!, after his ordina- 
tion as ,i clergyman of the Episco- 
jial Church, he went to New Yoik 
.■ind located at Onondaga Ilill near 
Ihe city of Syracu.se. Shortly after 
this settlement, the young minister 
united in marriage with Miss 
]\Iirand;i E. C(jok. After serving 
various congregations in Western 
New Y<prk for many years, he de- 
termined to become ii pioneer in 
Isortheru Illinois, which at the time, in the year 
1886, was being rapidly settled up. He found a 
desirable location at (ialena where he remained un- 
til 1838. when he rcceive<l the appointment as 
Chaplain in the United States army while located 
at Fort Snelling, Minn. He lived a long and act- 
ive life, doing much good, quitting his labors in 



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the year 1874. at the advanced age of eighty-two 
years. 

The only son born to iMr. and :Mrs. E. G. Gear 
was J. H., afterward the distinguished Governor of 
Iowa. As above stated the birth occurred in 182.5. 
In 1843, when still a young man, he came West to 
Burlington, where he has since continued to reside, 
her most distinguished citizen. Shortly after his 
arrival in the young city, he embarked in his mer- 
cantile career, engaging at the time with the firm 
of Bridgman & Bros., in the capacity of a clerk. 
Beniaining with this firm for a little over a year, 
he left them for an engagement with W. ¥. Cool- 
baiigh, who at one time was President of the 
I'nion National Bank, of Chicago, and who at that 
early period was the leading merchant of Eastern 
Iowa. He served Mr. Coolbaugh so faithfully, and 
with such marked ability for the following five 
years, that, when desirous of a partner in his busi- 
ness, the wealthy merchant could find no one in 
whom he could place greater confidence and with 
whom he could trust his extensive business rela- 
tions that pleased him better than the joung clerk. 
Accordingly he was associated as a jjartner under 
the firm name of W. F. Coolbaugh & Co. Under 
this arrangement the firm did a prosperous busi- 
ness for the f«)llowing five years, when Mr. Gear 
puichased the entire business, which he carried on 
with marked success until he became known as the 
oldest wholesale grocer in the State. He is at present, 
besides filling other prominent business relations, 
President of the Rolling Mill Co., of Galesburg. 




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JOHN H. GEAR. 



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Mr.Oear has been honored by his fellow-citizens 
wiih many positions of trust. In 1852 he was 
elected Alilernian; in 18G3 was elected Mayor 
over A. W. Carpenter, Ijeing tlie first Reijublican 
up to tliat time who had been elected in Burlington 
on a party issue. In 1867 the Burlington, Cedar 
R.'i.pids & Jlinnesota Railroad Company was organ- 
ized, and he was chosen as its President. His ef- 
forts highly contributed to the success of the enter- 
P'ijl prise, which did much for Burlington. He was 
also active in promoting the Burlington & South- 
western Railway, as well as the Burlington & North- 
western narrow-gauge road. 

He has always acted with the Republican part}', 
and in 1871 was nominated and elected a member 
of the House of Representatives of the 14th 
General Assembly. In 1873 he was elected to the 
loth General Assembly. The Republican cau- 
cus of the House nominated him for Speaker by 
acclamation, and after a contest of two weeks he 
wa,s cliosen over his opponent, J. W. Dixon. He 
filled the jiosition of Speaker very acceptably, and 
at the close of the session all the members of the 
House, independent of party affiliations, joined in 
signing their names to a resolution of thanks, which 
was engraved and presented to him. In 1875 he 
was tiie third time nominated to the Assembly by 
tlu- Rejjublican partj', and while iiis county gave a 
large Democratic vote he was again elected. He 
was also again nominated for Speaker by the Re- 
jjublican caucus, and was elected by a handsome 
majority over his competitor, Hon. John Y. Stone. 
He is the only man in the State who ever had the 
llin jj honor of being chosen to this high position a sec- 
P ond time. He enjoj-s the reputation of being an 
H aV)le ]iarliamentarian, his rulings never having been 
Ei a))pealed from. At the close of the session he 
1 again received the unanimous thanks of the House 




of Representatives for his courtesy and impartiality, 
and for the able and satisfactory manner in which 
he had presided over that body. 

In 1877 he was nominated for Governor by the 
Republican convention which met at Des Moines, 
{j 'JBi'q June 28, and ,at the election held the following 



I 1 Oetolier he received 121,546 votes, against 79,353 
Ijri j for John P. Irish, 10,039 for Elias Jessup and 38.- 



22p for D. P, Stubbs, His plurality over Irish 



was 42,193. He was inaugurated Jan. 17, 1878, 
and served four years, being re-elected in 1879 by 
the foUowiHg handsome vote: Gear, 157,571; 
Trimble, 85,056; Campbell, 45.439; Dnngan, 3,258; 
Gear's majority over all competitors, 23,828. His 
second inauguration occurred in January of tlic 
year 1880. 

Gov. Gear's business habits enabled him to dis- 
charge the duties of his office with marked ability-. 
He found the financial condition of the State at a 
low ebb, but raised I<.)wa's credit to that of the 
best of our States. lu his last biennial message he 
was able to report: "The warrants out-standing, 
but not bearing interest, Sept. 30, 1881, amounted 
to 822,093.74, and there are now in the treasury 
ample funds to meet the current expenses of the 
State. The war and defense debt has been paid, 
except the waiTants for $125,000 negotiated by the 
Executive, Auditor and Treasurer, under the law 
of the 18th General Assembly, and §2,500 of 
the original bonds not yet presented for {tay- 
ment. The onlj- other debt owing by the State 
amounts to #245,435.19, due to the permanent 
school fund, a portion of which is made irredeem- 
able bj' the Constitution. These facts i)lace Iowa 
practically among the States which have no debt, 
a consideration which must add much to her ri'pu- 
tation. The expenses of the State for the last two 
years are less than those of any other period since 
1869, and this notwithstanding the fact that the 
State is to-day sustaining several institutions not 
then in existence ; namel}', the hospital at Inde- 
pendence, the additional penitentiary, the Normal 
School and the asylum for the feeble-minded chil- 
dren, besides the girl's department of the reform 
school. The State also, at present, makes provision 
for fish culture, for a useful weather service, for 
sanitary supervision by a Board of Health, for en- 
couraging immigration to the State, for the inspec- 
tion of coal mines by a State Lispector, and liber- 
ally for the military arm of the Government." 

Gov. Gear is now in the sixty -fu-st j'ear of his 
age, and is in the full vigor of both his mental and 
physical faculties. He was married in 1852 to 
Harriet S. Foot, formerly of the town of Middle- 
bury, Vermont, by whom he has had four children, 
two of whom arc living. 




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NP> of the most distinguished 
gentleuK'ii who was ever 
honored with the position 
,. of Chief Executive of the 
T state IS Bureii R. Sherman, 
-^ the eleventh Governor of 
Iowa, who is a native of New York. 
It was in the town of PIieI[(s, in On- 
tario County, that he was born to his 
>'l]\'\^ parents, Phineas L. and P^veline 
^1^7:- (Robinson) Sherman, on tlie "iHth of 
yijK. Ma)-, 1836, and was tlie third son of 

n / 1 V_J a distinguished family of children. 
£ c, His parents were likewise natives of 

\.'-l the Empire State. Buren R. attended the public 
1 I schools of his neighborhood, but was subsequently 
1 ;h given advantages of the schools at Alniira, N. Y.. 
1 ;:t where he acquired a very thorough knowledge of 
i^'C the Enarlish branches. His fathei-. who was a me- 
iJiS chanic, advised him at tiie close of his studies to 
i-E apprentice himself to learn some trade. He ac- 
i S et)rdin}jlv made such arrang-ements with S. Avers, of 
lie Almira, to learn the trade of a watchmaker. In 
lag 18.')."). however, he left this position and joined his 
if: family on their removal to the then new State of 
1 ?c Iowa. They settled upon a piece of unbroken i)rai- 
V - ric hind on whnt is now fJeneseo Townshiii, Tnma 



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C(junty, his father having previously purchased 
land from the Government. Here Buren R. labored 
diligently in developing his father's fields, devoting, 
however, leisure hours which he was granted, to the 
study of law. Before lenving his E.nstern home he 
had decided upon that profession and began its 
study while yet in Almira. He soon secured a po- 
sition as a book-keeper in a neiglilioring town, and 
with the wages earned there, materiallj' assisted his 
father in the development of their home farm. In 
the meantime he had applierl himself diligently to 
the study of his books, and so studious had he 
been that in the summer of 1859, he was enabled 
to jjassa creditable examination and to be admitted 
to the bar. The following spring the young attor- 
ney moved to "\'inton, hung out his shingle and be- 
gan the practice vt his profession. He was associated 
with Hon. 'William Smyth, former]}- District Judge, 
and J. C. Traer, under the firm name of Smyth, 
Traer & Sherman. The new firm rapidly grew into 
[jrominence, building up a jirosperous practice, 
when Mr. Sherman withdrew to tender his services 
to the Government in defense of her integrity and 
honor. 

It was early in 1 .sGl , directly after the enemy had 
assaulted the American fl.-ig on Sumter, th.it the 
3-oiing attorney enlisted in Co. G, i;lth Iowa A'ol. 






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152 



BUREN R. SHERMAN. 






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Inf.. and immediately went to tlie front. He 
oiteied the serviee a.s Second Sergeant, and in 
Feliriiaiv. I8(i2. was made Second Lieutenant of 
(dmiiany K. On tlie (Itli i>( April following he was 
very severely wounded . -it the l)attle of I'ittsliurgh 
Landing, and wliil<> in the hospital was promoted to 
the rank of Captain, lie leturned to his company 
while vet obliged to n>e hi> crutclie^. and remained 
on duty till the siunnierot' ls>ii.'). wlu-u. liy reason of 
his wounil. he was compelled to resign and return 
home. Soon aftei' returning from the army he was 
ill elected County .ludge of Benton County, and re- 
elected without o|)position in ist;,"). In the autumn 
of 18CG he resigned his judgeship and accepted the 
office of Clerk of the District Court, to which he 
was re-elected in IJSOH, ISTII and 1872, and in 
Decendiei'. 1 87J, resigned in order to acce[>t the 
ollice of Auditor of State, to whicii office he had 
heen elected by a maj<nity of 28,42.") over J. JI. 
King, the " anti-monopol^' "' candidate. In I87G he 
was renominated and received 50,272 more votes 
than W. (irowneweg (Democrat) and Li'onard 
l!i:ii! Browne ((ireenback) together. In 1878 he was 
again cho.sen to rejire.sent the Rei)ublican party 
in that oftice, and this time received a major- 
ity of 7,1 (i4 over the combined votes of Col. 
Kiboeck (Democrat) and (i. \'. Swearenger (Green- 
back). In the six j-ears that he held this otiice. he 
was untiring in his faithful application to routine 
work and devotion to his special share of the .State'.s 
business. He retired with such an enviable recoid 
that it was with no surprise the i)eople learned, 
June 27, 18,sl. that he was the nominee of the Re- j 
Jl publican party for (iovernor. 

The ca)npaign was an exciting one. 'riieGcneral | 
Assembly had submitted to the people the prohibi- I 
tory amendment to the Constitution. This, wliilc 
^ 1 not a partisan question, became uppermo.st ii. the 
^■pjHH niind of the public. Mr. Sherman received l.i."!.- 
:;.">() votes, against 83.244 for Kinne ami 28.1 12 for 
D. M. Clark, or a plurality of .")(i.(l8(; and a major- 
ity of 21,'J74. In 1 8Si;i he was re-nominated li\ 
the Republicans. ;is well as I,, (i. Kinne by the 
Democrats. The .National party offered .1. li. 
Weaver. Duiing the campaign these candidates 
held a number of joint discussions at different 
points in the State. At the election the vote was : | 




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.Sherman, 1(34,182; Kinne. l."i'.l.098; AVeaver, 2.i.- 
089; Sherman's plmality, 25,(189: majority. 2,00(1. 
In his second inaugural Gov. Sherman said : 

•• In assuming, for the second time, the office of 
Chief Magistrate for the State. I fully realize my 
grateful obligations to the peo[ile of Iowa, through 
whose generous confidence I am here. I am aware 
of the duties and grave responsibilities of this ex- 
alted po>ition. and :is well what is expected of me 
therein. As in the p.ast I have given my undivided 
time and serious attention thereto, so in the future 
I jiromise the mo.st earnest devotion and untiring 
etfort in the faithful iierformance of my official re- 
(piirements. I have seen the Stiite grow from in- 
fancy to mature manhood, and each year one of 
substantial betterment of its jnevious position. 

•• With more lailroads than any State, save two; 
with a school interest the grandest and strongest, 
which ci^mmands the support and confidence of all 
the people, and a population, which in its entii'ety 
is superior to any other in the sisterhood, it is 
not strange the pride Avliich attaches to our jjcople. 
When we remember that the results of our efforts in 
the direction of good government have l)een 
crowned with such magnificent success, ami to-day 
we have a .State in most perfect physical and tintui- 
cial condition, no wonder our hearts swell in honest 
pride as wc contemplate the i)ast and so confidently 
hoi)e for tlie future. What we m.ay become de- 
pends on oiu' own efforts, and to that future 1 look 
with carnt'^t and abiding c<infidencc." 

(iov. Sherman's term of office continued until .Ian. 
14, 1886, when he was .succeeded by William Larra- 
bee, and he is now, temporai'ily. i>cihaps, enjoying 
a well-earned rest. Tic h:i> l^cen .i Republican since 
the organiz.-ition of that party, .and his services as a 
(■.•nupaign >pcakci- have Ik'cu for many years in 
ii'ri'at demand, .V- .an ollirci' in- lia> been able to 
make an cnvi.-iblc record. Ilim^rli■ honoj-able and 
Ihoiougli. hi< management of public business has 
been of the ~.-ime char.acter. and such as has com- 
mended liim to the approval of his fellow-citi/.ens. 

lie wa^ muiird. Aug. 20. 1S(;2. to Mi.-^s Lena 
Ivendall. of \inton, Iowa, a young lady of rare ac- 
complishnu'uts and strength of character. Their 
union has been happy in every respect. I'liey have 
two children— Lena Ken<lall and Oscar Eugene. 



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•ILLIAM LARRABP:E. tlie 
present able Goveniur of 
Iowa, and the twclftli gen- 
tleman selected by the 
people as the Chief INIagis- 
trate of the great Com- 
monwealth, is a native of 
Connecticnt. His ancestors 
were among the French Huguenots wlio 
came to America earlj' in the seventeenth 
centur}' and located in Connecticut. At 
that time they bore the name of d'Larra- 
bee. Adam Larrabee, the father of AVill- 
iam, was born March 14, 1787, and was 
one of the early graduates of the West 
Point Military Academy. He served his 
countiy during the War of 1812, with distinction, 
holding the position of Second Lieutenant, to which 
he was commissioned March 1, 1811. He was pro- 
moted to the Captaincy of his companj^ Feb. 1 . 
1H14, and on the 30th of the following March, at 
the battle of Lacole Mills, during Gen. Wilkinson's 
campaign on the Saint Lawrence River, he was 
severelj' wounded in the lung. He eventually re- 
covered from the injury and was united in mar- 
riage to Hannah (i. Lester. This much esteemed 
ladj- was born June 3. 1 798, and died on the l.Oth of 
March. 1837. Capt. Larrabee lived to an ad- 
vanced age, dying in 1869, at the age of eighty- 
two j'ears. 

As above mentioned, William, our subject, was 



born in Connecticut, the town of Led3-ard being 
the place of his birth and .Fan. 20,1832, the date. 
He was the seventh child in a family of nine chil- 
dren, and passed the earl^y years of his life upon a 
rugged New England farm, enjoying very meager 
educational advantages. He attended, during the 
wintei- seasons, the neighboring district schools 
until he reached the age of nineteen' jears, when, 
during the following two winters, he filled the posi- 
tion of schoolmaster. He was ambitious to do 
something in life for himself that would bring fort- 
une and distinction, but in making his plans for the 
future he was embarrassed by a misfortune which 
l)efell him when ftiurteen years of age. In being- 
trained to the use of fli-eai-ms under his father's 
direction, an accidental discharge resulted in the 
loss of the sight in the right e^ye. This conse- 
([uently unfitted him for many empkiyments usually 
sought by ambitions young men. The family 
lived near the seashore, only two miles away, and 
in that neighborhood it was the custom for at least 
one son in each familj^ to go upon the sea as a 
sailor. The two eldest brothers of our subject had 
chosen this occupation while the third remained in 
charge of the home farm. William was thus left 
free to chose for himself and, like manj' of the 
youths of that day, he wisely tunuMl his face West- 
ward. The year 18.53 found him on tliis journey 
toward the setting sun, stopping only when he 
came to the )iroad and fertile prairies of the new 
State of Iowa. He first joined his elder sister. Mrs. 



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WILLIAM LARRABEE. 



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E. H. "Williams, who was at that time living at 
Garnavillu, Claytun County. It was this circum- 
stance which led the young boy from Connecticut 
to select his future liome in the northeastern por- 
tion of Iowa. lie resumed his occupation as a 
jiedagogue, teaching, however, Init one winter, 
which was passed at Ilaidin. The following three 
years he was employed in the capacitj^ of foreman 
^ on the Grand Meadow farm of his brother-in-law, 
.ludgc Williams. 

In l.s.'iT he bought a one-third interest in the 
\f^ Clermont Mills, and located at Clermont, Fayette 
^^ County. lie soon was able to buy the other two- 
thirds, and witiiin a y(\ar found himself sole owner. 
I le operated this mill until 1X74 when he sold to 
S. M. Leach. On the breaking out of the war he 
offered to enlist, but was rejected on account of 
the loss of his right eye. Being informed he might 
piijl |)ossibly be admitted as a commissioned officer, he 
^"01" raised a company and received a commission as 
fi First Lieutenant, liut was again rejected for the 
WW'' same disability. 

After selling the mill .Mr. Larrabee devoted him- 
self to farming, and st;irted a private bank at Cler- 
mont. He also, experimentally, started a large 
nursery, but this resulted only in confirming the 
belief that Northern Iowa has too rigorous a cli- 
mate for fruit-raising. 

Mr. Larrabee did not begin his political career 
intil I SOT. He was reared as a Whig and became 
a Rei)ublican on the organization of that i>.arty. 
While interested in politics he generally refused 
local offices, serving onl^- as Treasurer of the 
School B(jard prior to 18G7. In the autumn of 
I', tliat year, on the Republican ticket, he was elected 
to represent his county in the State Senate. To 
this high position he was re-elected fiom time to 
time, so that he served as Senator continuously for 
eighteen years before being promoted to the high- 
est office in the State. He was so popular at home 
that he was generally re-nominated by acclamation, 
and for some years the Democrats did not even 






make nominations. During the whole eighteen 
jears Senator Larrabee was a member of the prin- 
cipal committee, that on Ways and Means, of which 
he was generally Chairman, and was also a member 
of other committees. In the pursuit of the duties 
thus devolving upon him, he w-as indefatigable. 
It is said that he never missed a committee meet- 
ing. Not alone in this, but in private and public 
Inisiness of all kinds, his uniform habit is that of 
close application to work. Jlany of the important 
pleasures passed bj* the Legislature owe their ex- 
istence or present form to him. 

He was a candidate for the gubernatorial nomina- 
tion in 18.S1, but entered the contest too late, as 
Gov. Sherman's following had been successfully^ 
organized. In 1 885 it was generally conceded be- 
fore the meeting of the convention that he would 
be nominated, which he was, and his election fol- 
lowed as a matter of course. lie was inaugurated 
.Ian. 14, 1880, and so far has ma<le an excellent 
Governor. His position in regard to the liquor 
(piestion, that on which political fortunes are made 
and lost in Iowa, is that the majority should rule. 
He was personally in favor of higii license, but 
having been elected Governor, and sworn to up- 
hold the Constitution and execute the laws, he pro- 
poses to do so. 

A Senator who sat beside him in the Senate de- 
clares him to be " a man of the broadest compre- 
hension and information, an extraordinarily clear 
reasoner, fair and conscientious in his (■()n<lusions, 
and of Spartan firmness in his matured judgment," 
and says that •• he brings the practical facts and 
philosoph}- of human nature, the science and his- 
tory of law, to aid in his decisions, and adheres with 
the earnestness of Jefferson and Sumner to the 
fundamental principles of the people's rights." 

Gov. Larrabee was married Sept. 1 2, 1 8G 1 , at Cler- 
mont, to Anna M. Appelman, daughter of Cai)t. 
G. A. Appelman. Gov. Larrabee has seven chil- 
dren — Charles. Augusta, Julia, Anna, Williiun, 
Frederic and Helen. 



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5HE time has arrived when it 
becomes the duty of the 
people of this county to per- 
petuate the names of their 
pioneers, to furnish a record 
of their early settlement, 
and relate the story of their 
progress. The civilization of our 
day, the enlightenment of the age 
and the duty that men of the pres- 
ent time owe to their ancestors, to 
themselves and to their posterity, 
demand that a record of their lives 
and deeds should be made. In bio- 
graphical history is found a power 
to instruct man by precedent, to 
enliven the mental faculties, and 
to waft down the river of time a 
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the 
people who contributed to raise this country from its 
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly 
the great and aged men, who in their prime entered 
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their 
heritage, are passing to their graves. The muiiber re- 
maining who can relate the incidents of the first days 
of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an 
actual necessity exists for tlie collection and preser- 
vation of events without delay, before all the early 
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time. 

To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind 
from remotest ages. All will be iorgotten soon enough, 
in spite of their best works and the most earnest 
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of 
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion 
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor- 
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. 
The pyramids of Rgypt were built to per[)etuate the 
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- 
mations rn.ide l)y the archeologists of Kgypt from 
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people 






to perpetuate the memory of their achievements 
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same 
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find th 
Greeks and Romans erecting mnusoleums and men 
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their 
great achievements and carry them down the ages, l 
It is also evident that the Mound-bu'lders, in piling j] 
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — jn 
to leave so'iictiiing to show thit they had lived. All il! 
tliese works, though manv ol them costly in the ex- [ 
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac- 
ters of those wliose memory they were intended to 
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the niasses of | 
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and !| 
some of the obelisks remain ol)jects only of curiosity ; ih 
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum- 
bling into dust. 

It was left to modern ages U> establish an intelli- 
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating 
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- 
limited in extent and perpetual in its action; and 
this is through the art of printing. 

To the present generation, however, we are in- 
debted for the introduction of the admirable system 
of local biography. By this system every man, though 
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, 
has the means to perpetuate his life, his histoiy, 
through the coming ages. 

The scythe of Time culs down all ; nothing of the 
physical man is left. The monument which hs chil- 
dren or friends may erect to hi-^ memory in tlie ceme- 
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his 
life, his achievements, the work he has accouiplished, 
which otherwise would be forgotten, is i)er|)e;uated 
by a record of this kind. 

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we 
engrave their portraits, for the ssme reason we col- 
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we 
thir.k it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to 
wait until they are dead, or until those who know 
them are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to 
pttlili^h t) the world the liistory of those whose lives 
are unwurtliy (jf public record. 



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HARLES F. RLAKP:, Presi- 
dent of the luwa National 
liank, of Ottninwa, is a na- 
tive of (iermany, and was 
l)orn near Minden, Prussia, 
Oct. 12, l.S2;3. His iwrents^ 
Carl F. and Mary (Niemann) 
Blake, resided on a farm in their native 
country until 183(5, when, accompanied 
by their seven children, they emig^-ated 
to the United States and first made set- 
tlement in Hamilton Count\', Ohit). Six 
months later the family removed to 
Clermont Countj^, same State, and lo- 
cated near Milford, and in 1840 made 
another move, this time taking up their 
residence on a farm near Indianapolis. Ind. In 1845 
they came to Iowa, and settling at Ottumwa. being 
among the earliest pioneers of this .section, they 
continued to reside there an unbroken family until 
1853, when the demise of the father occurred, his 
age being fifty-eight years. The mother dietl Oct. 
25, 1870. The seven children are : Christina L., who 
ISS married Martin (iehringer. and rennjved to Indian- 
apolis, but came to Ottumwa in 1843, afterward re- 
moved to Lee Count}', and about 1848 moved to 
Louisiana, and have not lieen heanl from since; it is 
supi)osed l)olli die<l from the cholera; the other chil- 

trTx:rTa mil iixxm t 



dren are, Charles F., our subject ; Mary C, wife of N. 
C. Hill, of this county ; Christian F., a farmer of Ore- 
gon; John IL. residing in Grant Count}-, Oregon; 
Sophia married David Gephart, .ind departe<l this 
life in Wapello County, leaving several children ; 
Ellen M. is the wife of John Scheiwe, a resident of 
Ottumwa. 

After emigrating to the United States Mr. Blake 
of this notice worked for various parties, following 
no particular trade but working at whatever he 
could find to do to earn an honest dollar. In the 
spring of 1850 he cro.ssed the plains to California, :& 
and engaged in placer mining in that State for one .v m 
year. He became interested in a quartz mining fij J] 
company there, one of the first on the Pacific slope, IpSli 
and continued his relationship with the company |;; 
for about a year, when he sold out. He had be- i| ]■ 
come the h.-ippy possessor of |il,80(l in cash before (li^ 
lie started home. On arriving here he at once en- 
gaged in clerking for James Hawley in a general 
store, having invested the means which he brought 
from the land of gold in purchiwing the interest of 
the heirs to his father's estate and also a little town 
property. He continued clerking until 1857, and 
from that time until 18<i3 he wa,s interested in no 
particular business except looking after his prop- 
erly. 

During the year l.Sl)3tvvo clerks in the employ 



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of James L.Taylor, at Ottumwa, having enlisted in 
the war, Mr. Blake entered Mr. Taylor's store in 
the capacity of book-iveeper :uid custodian of fi- 
nances, and held that position luitil the spring of 
1865. He then, with W. T. Harper, took an inter- 
est in the business, and the firm of Taylor, Blake & 
Co. sprang into existence, and our subject contin- 
ued his relations therewith until 1874. It did a 
wholesale and retail business and met with signal 
success. In 1873 Mr. Blake entered the Iowa Na- 
tional Bank, of which lie was one of the original 
stockholders, and in the fall of that year became 
^^1 its President. This honorable and responsible po- 

fl^ sition he has since continued to hold, devoting the 
J*- . major portion of his time to its interest. In the 
1^ Ij spring of 1881 Mr. Blake, in company with E. E. 
I Bruce and W. B. Goodall, organized the present 
I firm of Blake, Bruce & Co., wholesale druggists, 
? Mr. Blake is one of the original organizers of the Ot- 
^ tumwa Starch Works, and one of the re-organizers 
D of theOttumwa Cutlery C<)mi>an3',and is still inter- 
ested in both. He was also one of the original stock- 
holders of the 1). & M. R. R., and one of the num- 
ber who assisted in raising 1100,000 for the Wabash 
Railroad Company. 

Coming to Ottumwa at an early day and invest- 
ing in a small portion of her present site, our sub- 
ject continued to hold to his property, and as the 
city increased in population and the surrounding 
country was more thickl\- settled the citj' propert3- 
bgan to increase in value, and in 1859 he laid it off 
in lots and added Blake's addition to the city. He 
[M^; also added to his acreage outside of the cit3', and at 
present is the pi-oprietor of 2,500 acres of land lo- 
cated near Ottumwa, which is growing in value 
every 3^ear. 

In the early part of 1886 Mr. Blake became one 

of the proprietors of valuable mining property- in 

tj Montana, in connection with J. O. Briscoe. He 

is also a part owner of the celebrated Frohner 

Mine which, after careful investigation, was pur- 

I chased bj' them and others. For the past j'ear the 

work has been principally that of development, but 

^ sulHcieut profit has been realized to pay for the 



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Jl mine and insure a surplus of $25,000. This for the 
I first year is a very unusual showing in mining op- 
sj,w» erations. The Frohner is situated in the Red 



Mountain district on the Lump (iulch Slope, and 
is regarded by prominent mineralogists as a section 
of the most valuable property in Montana. The 
Minah. another mine owned jointly by Mr. Hlake 
and Mr. Briscoe, has also proved of great value, its 
success being simplj- marvelous. 

With that caution which has characterized all his 
business transactions, Mr Blake secured an interest 
in mining property ouh* after the most caroful .and 
methodical investigation. The results have proved 
the accuracy of his judgment and the keenness and 
penetration which have enabled him, almost with- 
out exception, to achieve success. These qualities 
also have enabled him to become one of the most 
useful citizens and valued members of the com- 
munity. 

Mr. Blake was married, in 1.S5(), to Miss Poll}' 
Kingsley, daughter of Cyrus and Ilaiuiali (Sears) 
Kingsle3'. She was born in Onondaga Count}', 
N. Y., Jan. 1, 1819, and died in 1876, leaving 
two children: Juliette K., wife of Calvin Manning, 
and Cyrus K., also married, and connected with the 
Bank of Ottumwa. In 1877 Mr. Blake married 
Mrs. Jennie E. Stevens, nee Webb, by whom he has 
one son, Frederick C. In addition to his other 
business, Mr. Blake holds the office of Treasurer of 
the Iowa Mutual Aid Society, and Ottumwa City 
School District, and is one of the foremost citizens 
of the city and county in which he resides. 

In the history of Mr. Blake we find an excellent 
example for young men who arc just embarking in 
the field of active life, of what ma}- be accom- 
plished b}- a man beginning poor, but honest, pru- 
dent and industrious. In early life he enjoyed but 
few advantages. His school days were limited, nor 
had he wealth or position to aid him in starting in 
life. To win success he relied upon his own efforts 
and conduct. In monetary and mercantile fields 
he is known to be a man of undoubted integrity 
and substantial ability. In his social and public life 
he is one who is capable of forming his own opin- 
ions and resolutely adhering to them. His career as 
a citizen of the county has been one eminentl}' 
worth}' and useful to the community, and it is with 
pleasure we present his portrait in this connection 
as one of the leading men, not only of the county, 
but of the State. 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Looking back over this short record the reader 
will see that the subject of this notice is a self-made 
man in every respect that word implies, and that 
his success in life is attributable, not as the recipi- 
ent of a legacy, but through his own energy, perse- 
verance and good judgment. 




^^— :- 



OHKHT FELLOWS, a pnmiincnt citizen of 
i#ij Ottumwa, and closely identitie<l with its 
cli \\\ business and industrial interests, is a native 
li^of Monroe County, N. Y., born in the town 
of Penfield, Oct. 7, 1817. He is the son of 
Henry and Sophia (Sanburn) Fellows, the former a 
native of Berkshire, ALass. His father was a Gen- 
eral in the Kevolutionary War under command of 
Ceu. Washington, and was on his staff. His mother 
was born in Connecticut, and went to New York 
with her parents at an early day, settling in On- 
tario County, where they owned a large tract of 
land, which her father afterward sold for the sum 
of eighteen cents per acre. 

Henry F'ellows entered njion the practice of his 
profession at Canandaigua, N. Y., and after becom- 
ing a resident of that State was prominently identi- 
fied with its political affairs. He was elected to 
the State Legislature for two terms, and held the 
office of Justice of the Peace after he had become 
designated as an " old man." But he retained his 
mental faculties to a surprising degree, and per- 
formed the duties of his (jflice correctly- and ac- 
ceptablj'. 

Robert Fellows was I'eared upon a farm, and 
gained a good insight into the nurser}- business, 
conducted at that time by his father. He i-eceived 
careful home training, and completed his education 
in the High School at Penfield, N. Y. His first 
vote was cast for Gen. Harrison as President, and 
he has not missed voting at a presidential election 
since that time. He w.as married, in 1837, to Miss 
Caroline E. Crampton, of Connecticut, and, cross- 
ing the Mississippi in 1867, came to the city of Ot- 
tumwa, where he engaged in the ferry business, 
farming and stock-raising, which he prosecuted for 
;) term of live years. He then purchased the resi- 
dence which he now occupies and where he is pass- 



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ing his later days surrounded b}- the comforts 
which his earl^' industry was the means of providing. 
He is a Republican in politics, and in all respects 
has been considered among the best citizens of Ot- 
tumwa. He has visited the F'i.ast several times since 
taking up his residence in Wapello County, and 
among old friends and associations reviewed with 
pleasure the scenes of his childhood and youth. 

The Fellows family of Penfield is one of the 
oldest in Monroe County, N. Y. Henry Fellows, 
Sr., now deceased, was a brother-in-law of lianiel 
Penfield, who carac from Sheffield, Mass., and set- 
tled in that town. Mr. Henr3' Fellows was a Sol- 
dier in the Revolutionary War, and one of the 
military advisers of (ien. Washington, being a part 
of the time on the staff of the great commander, 
and at other times was at the head of one of the 
divisions of the arm}'. AVherever placed he was 
notable for skill, energy and courage, and retained 
the confidence of the Commander-in-Chief of the 
army, as well as that of the soldiers and -citizens, 
until the close of the war. His son Henry, the 
father of our subject, was a gentleman of fine edu- 
cation, a graduate of Williams College, and com- 
menced his professional career at Canandaigua, N. 
Y., about seventy years ago. There he formed tiie 
acquaintance of and married Miss Sophia Sanlmni, 
her mother being Mrs. Hannah Sanburn, the first 
white woman conung to that section of the country 
in its earlier historj-, sixty-one }'ears ago. Henry 
Fellows, Jr., and Daniel Penfield settled in the 
town of the same name fifty-seven years ago. Mr. 
F^ellows built his mansion there, and in this were 
born to him and his wife seven of their ten chil- 
dren, the record of whom is as follows : Henr}' was 
the eldest; Mary became the wife of Daniel Lewis; 
.Ifihn Charles was the next in order of birth, and 
then Robert, the subject of our sketch; Jane be- 
came the wife of John L. Livingston; Charlotte 
married George Parnieter, and Sophia, C. M. Haw- 
ley, of Chicago; Cornelia is the widow of Nathan 
Hall, and George was the 3'oungest in order of 
birth; the deceased aie May and George. 

Henry Fellows. Sr.. for the space of sixty years, 
was prominently identified with the business inter- 
ests of his locality, and filled many otiices of trust 
and emolument. He represented his county sev- 




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eral terms in the Oeneral Assembly of New York 
State, and was ureatly esteemed for his kindly and 
.sympathetic n:itnre and his active lienevolenee. He 
was the encourager and supporter of every worthy 
enterprise, and both in his [jublic and private life 
lived above reproach. He was also fortunate in 
securing in his wife a companion fully suited to his 
qualities of mind and character. It was doubtless 
due to her read^- .sj-rapathy and mental capacities 
that he was enabled to make for himself so noble a 
record as a man and citizen, and the}' transmitted 
to their children iu ;i marked degree those priuci- 
|)les of honor and integrity which they made the 
rule of their own lives and by which they builded 
.s«) well for the lienerations to come. 



£, DWAHI) L. BURTON. There is scarcely a 
^ person iu the county to whom the name 
_^^' which stands at the head of this sketch is 
not familiar; for nearly thirty years he has lieen 
prominent professional!}- in all its courts, and there 
has scarcely been a case of importance, except when 
he was upon the bench, during that time, in which 
he has nut taken an active and leading part. Me is 
a native of Waterloo, Seneca Co., N. Y.. whov he 
was born on the ISth day of Fein nary, l.s;>l:his 
father, John Burton, Esq., was one of the pioneer 
settlers of Seneca County, moving there as early as 
I>!12; was a soldier in the last war with England: 
a careful an<l accurate survej'or, having surveyed, 
it is said, nearly every farm in the county; and a 
lawyer of prominence in that part of the State. Ills 
mother. Elizabeth Hooper, was the daughter of 
I'ontins Hooper, also an early settler of Seneca 
Count3\ and a grand-daughter of Uen. Clark of 
Revolutionarj- fame. He received a tlHirongh 
legal education in the ottice of his father and his 
brother, William H. Burton, the latter also a prom- 
inent lawj-er, which he completed at the law school 
of I'rof. Fowler, at Ballston Springs. X. Y. 

Mr. Burton tuiiicd his steps westward, and settled 
in Keokuk County, this State, in l.s.5.5, where he 
practiced law until his removal to Ottumwa iu .Ian- 
nary. Ix.M). lleri' he formed a partnership with 
Hon. H. B. Heudersholt, then, :is now, an al)le and 



distinguished attorney and jurist: this partnership 
cimtinned for twelve years, the tirm enjo3'ing a 
lai'ge and lucrative practice, Mhen it was dissolved 
with mutual good-will, Mr. Burton retiring. In 
1872 he ft)rmed a partnership with Hon. Edward 
H. Stiles, of the Ottumwa bar, and now of Kansas 
City, .Mo. 

In politics Judge Burton has always been identi- 
fied with the Democratic party, which has frequeiitl}' 
honored him by placing his name upon its ticket 
for important offices; but the part}' having gener- 
ally been in the minority, never succeeded in 
making the official duties of Mr. Burton interfere 
with his legal |)ractice until October, 1878, when he 
was overwhelmingly elected Judge of the District 
Court of the Second Judicial District; in this con- 
test Judge Burton's majority over his competitor, 
Capt. Fee, of Centerville, Iowa, was nearly 2,500. 
The following sketch of Judge Burton was written 
by a friend immediately after his election to the 
Judgeship : 

"The biographies of men should properly be 
written after they are dead; yet it may with pro- 
priety be said that among the leaders of the bar of 
Iowa, Mr. Burton deserves, by reason of his pre- 
eminent tiilents, to rank conspicuously; and were he 
as ambitious of distinction as some of his compeers 
who are striving to mount the ladder of pi'ofessional 
fame, he would before this have been regarded as 
having attained the topmost round. He has all 
the real qualifications that go to make up the able 
and successful lawyer — a sound judgment, nice dis- 
crimination, quickness and accuracy of expression. 
He is universally recognized by the people of this 
county and district, as well as the Supreme Court 
of the State, as one of the ablest practitioners of 
this section. It has been the good fortune of the 
writer to witness in the State and Federal courts 
the forensic efforts of nearly :xllthe leading lawyers 
in the State, and he is frank to say that, while Mr. 
Burton has some superiors as an advocate, yet, 
for readiness and legal accuracy, strength and per- 
spicuity of argument, he has yet to see his superior. 
That he will fill the Judgeship, to which he has 
been recently elected, with distinguished ability 
and fairness, can scarcely l>e doubted. With him 
we feel assured there will be no pre-judgment, nor 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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will his decisions be influenced by any timorous 
considerations of policy, or warp from their just 
bearings by feelings of personal favor or personal 
enmit3\ There is in the life of Lord Coke a single 
instance which is sufficient to justlj' perpetuate his 
fame and relieve it from the dark shadows which 
his intolerance and persecutive disposition has cast 
upon it: AVhen he and his associates of the bench 
were summoned before an angiy King, because 
they had ventured to protest against his claimed 
right to prohibit the hearing of any cause in which 
his prerogative was concerned, it is said that all save 
Coke threw themselves upon their knees and i)rayed 
for pardon ; and when the King imperiously put the 
question: 'In the case where the King believes his 
prerogative or interests to be concerned and re- 
quires the Judges to attend him for their advice 
ought the^^ not to stay proceedings until His 
Majesty lias consulted them ?" all but Cuke re- 
sponded eagerly in the a/tirmative. But he replietl : 
•When that case happens, I shall do that which it 
shall be fit for a Judge to do.' 

"This historic incident, if we may be allowed to use 
it, illustrates the spirit of independence which, in our 
opinion, will characterize Mr. Barton's coux'se as a 
Judge. Had Mr. Burton been identified with the 
political partj' that has had control of the State for 
the past twenty years, he would in all probability, 
have been placed before this on the Supreme 
Bench; and we ma}' add, should his i)arty succeed 
in regaining the lost scepter, it would show its 
wisdom and sagacity by placing Judge Burton in a 
position which he would both strengthen and 
adorn." 

Judge Burton began his official duties as Judge 
of the .Second Judicial District on the 1st day of 
.January, 1879; in the discharge of those duties his 
friends were not disappointed in him. The duties 
of the bench were pleasant to him, and he seemed 
to feel perfectly at home. His ability for dis- 
patching business was more than ordinary, and the 
court dockets, which were from one to two years 
behind, soon began to assume their proper pro- 
portions. On the bench he was ready and prompt 
to decide, seldom hearing arguments of any con- 
siderable length. In one term of four weeks in 
this Count)' ho tried twenty-two jur}' cases, besides 




transacting the other business of the term. His 
relations with the bar and officers of the court were 
always of the most friendlj- character. In the esti- 
mation of the bar, his main fault was in working 
them too hard, and insisting \\\nm too much speed ^ 
in the dispatch of business. 

At the close of his first term Judge Burton was 
re-elected b)' an increased majority, his competitor 
being Hon. Henry L. Dashiel, of Albia, Monroe 
County. Judge Burton's rec<.)rd in the Sujireuic 
Court of this State is among the best, a very large 
per cent of his judgments being affirmed. During 
the eight years he was upon the bench manj- new- 
questions were raised, some of them requiring tiu' 
most careful study in their determination. 

Judge Burton retired from tlie bench .Ian. 1 , 
1S87, and resumed again the practice of the law, 
and there is little doubt that he will take his place 
again among the prominent lawyers of the State. 
In private life he is domestic in his tastes, always 
cheerfully welcoming his friends to his home, nnil 
is pleased at their coming, but seldom seeks society 
outside of his own family. 

The wife of Judge Burton, formerly Mis^ .M;uy 
J. Crocker, is a daughter of the late Col. -lames (i. 
Crocker, formerly of Fairfield, .left'erson County, 
but more recently of Lancister. Iveokuk County, 
and sister of that distinguished soldier and civilian, 
(ien. M. M. Crocker, whom the people of Iowa th'- 
lighted to honor, and whose memory they iiold 
dear. 

■t> :@: — <V 

,|]AMES H. JORDAN, an intelligent farmor 
I and stock-grower of Salt Creek Township. 

I Davis Co., Iowa, is located on section I, 
^^&)j and forms one of the useful f.actors of an 
excellent comuuniity. He is the second of the fam- 
ily of eight children of Gen. Peter and Sarah 
(Baker) Jordan, both of whom are natives of Ken- 
tucky. The other memiiers of the family were, K. 
\'., Thomas J., G.arret, John, Peter and Nancy 
Jane, the four latter deceased. The grandfather of 
James II. Jordan moved from Nirginiato Kentucky' 
at a very early day, while the Indians were yet in 
possession of th:it section of country, and there 
raised the children whose names have been givtu 




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176 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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above. Hi.s father eiili.sted in the War of 1812, 
under Gen. Harrison, with the rank of Captain, 
lie was subsequently promoted Brigadier General, 
and participated in the battle of New Orleans. He 
was a man of more than ordinary ability, and 
served in both brandies of the Legislature of Ken- 
tucky. He "'as also .Sheriff of fiercer County, Ky., 
for a number of years, and for a time was Associ- 
ate Justice of the County Court of that State. In 
1 822 the subject of this sketch moved from Ken- 
tucky to St. Louis, Mo., whence after a short time 
he proceeded u[) Uic Mi.ssissii^pi Kivei- to Rock 
Island. He then |)r()cured a license to trade with 
the In<lians, which business he continued until 
1«44. In the meantime he m:ide chiim to a tract 
of land which he occupied until it came into market, 
and thou purciiased the same of the Government. 
His i)rcsenl homestead comprises that claim. From 
time to time he has added to his original purchase, 
until he now owns over I.IJOO acres of good land, 
and has a farm Ihicly improved, with all modern 
conveniences. 

Mr. .Jordan in ls.')s, was marrie(l to Miss Frances 
Williams, a native of Kentucky, who was liorn in 
I. SI 7, and the daughter of .lohn and Fannie (Brent) 
Williams. Three children have been born to this 
Hiion: II. ('.. now living in the villaiic of Eldoii, 



n, nji Wapello County; Sarah, the wite of Abraliam 
Hinkle, of \'an liuren County, and Mctor P., de- 
ceased. 

.Tames H. .Jordan is truly a pioneer, and few men 
now living have endured as mucii or witnessed such 
great changes in a country. For years he lived 
among the Indians, meeting with but few whites in 
that time. He assisted (ien. Street to Lay out the 
U (Jovernment post at the present village of Agency, 
and in all respects has been a useful and worth}' 
citizen. His life has been full of adventure, and 
the true story of life among the Indians and the 
earh' settlers of this couutiy. would form a tale 
stranger than Action. 

Mr. Jordan is a well-preserved man, and has 
lived to enjoy the fruits of a life well spent. At 
his hospitable fireside have gathered many of the 
pioneers of Davis and Wapello Counties, and those 
who are yet living have a kindly and pleasant rec- 
ollection of the welcome always extended to the 






wayfarer. His wife yet remains with him in their 
pleasant home, the two enjoying life as well as thej' 
did forty years ago. Mr. Jordan is a member of 
the I. O. O. F., and in politics still adheres to the 
principles of Thomas Jefferson antl Andrew Jack- 
son. 



A WHENCE GUGGEKTY, a self-made man, 
successful farmer and stock-dealer, is pleas- 
anth' situated on his fine farm on section 
ol, Cass Township, where he is surrounded with all 
the luxuries of a home life, and is meeting with 
success in the prosecution of his chosen vocation. 
Ml', (luggerty was burn April 17, ISol, in County 
Meath, Ireland, and is the son of Owen ancl Julia 
(Hiley) (iuggert}', who became the parents of nine 
children. The record is as follows: Owen, .Jr., is 
a farmer, and resides in Wisconsin; Patrick and 
Bartholomew reside with the subject of this notice; 
Hugh is deceased; Margaret has not been heaifl 
from for years, and her residence is conse(iuently 
nnknown; John is a railroad employe, and is en- 
gaged in his labors near .Jacksonville. 111., and 
Lawrence is the subject of this notice. 

When Lawrence Guggerty was but three months 
old his mother was left a wid(jw, the father's 
death taking place in August, 1831. He w.hs a 
member of the Catholic Church, and a successful 
stock-dealer in the old country', highly resiJected 
by all who knew him. The mother of our subject 
departed this life in Maj', 18(J.j, having attained 
the age of seventy-four j'ears. She was also a 
mem tier of the Catholic Church, and both husband 
and wife are buried side by side in Count}' Meath, 
Ireland. 

In 1841), our subject, in company with his sister 
Margaret, came to this country, landing in New- 
York .May i of that j'ear. From the metropolis 
he went to lUica, the same State, and in the neigh- 
l)orliood of that city engaged in working on the 
farm of John M. Crane. After laboring there for 
about eleven mouths he made up his mind to go 
further West, and we next hear of him in Jo 
Daviess County, III., where he worked on the Illi- 
nois Central Railroad. This vocation he continued 
until 1857. when he went to Batavia, Iowa, and in 



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compan,y with Luke O'Brien took a contract to 
grade a part of the railroad bed. Their lir.st con- 
tract amounted to $3,500, after which the}" took 
another of six miles. The latter one was taken in 
1860 and completed in Ks61. The partners then 
engaged in bnj'ing horses for the army, and contin- 
ued in that business until 180.), when they again 
embarked in contracting. This time they took a 
contract for the l)uilding of sixty miles of railroad 
bed. 

The firm' continued in existence, meeting with 
success, until 1871, when JMr. O'Brien withdrew, 
and Mr. Guggerty then formed a partnership with 
Martin Fl_ynn, and the new firm had at one time a 
contract for the building of about twenty miles of 
grading for the C, B. & Q. R. R., and forty-five 
miles on the Northwestern, also forty-one miles 
of grade south of Des Moines, and a forty-five mile 
contract between Rutland and Gilmore. All these 
contracts were fulfilled to the satisfaction of the 
companies, and thus we see that Mr. Gnggerty has 
had considerable to do with the upbuilding of the 
great West, giving employment to tho\isands of 
men and teams. 

In 1859 Mr. Guggerty began to invest liis sur- 
plus funds in land, buying at that time eighty 
acres. lie has added thereto as the years rolled 
by until at the present time he is the proprietor of 
1,343 acres of land, all within the boundaries of 
Wapello County and in Cass Township. He also 
owns 320 acres in Palo Alto Countyi, this (State, 
making his landed possessions in the State 1,663 
acres. He is also extensivelj' engaged in stock 
feeding and raising, and has about 145 head of 
cattle, and in this department of iiis vocation is 
meeting with signal success. 

On the 8th of January, 1861, Mr. Guggerty 
was united in marriage with Miss Bridget Gallespie. 
!She was born March 17, 1840, and is a daughter of 
William and Bridget (McTye) Gallespie, who emi- 
gi-ated to this country in 1845. The father died 
in 1862, aged seventj' years; the mother died while 
in her sixtieth j'ear. Both were members of the 
Catholic Church. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. 
iiiE Guggerty have been given ten children: Maggie 

I A. was born Oct. 12, 1862; Julia, March 15, 1864; 

E John T., Aug. 23, 1866; Mary A., Sept. 2S. 1S(J8; 



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Patrick L., Dec. 2, I87(): Bartholomew E., Jan. 7, 
1872; William Eugene, Dec. 23,1874; Bridget E., 
Jan. 14, 1876; Agnes Amy, June 8, 1878, and the 
youngest died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Guggerty 
are members of the Catholic Church. 

In 1.S.S3 Mr. (Uiggerty held a lien on the Wabash 
Railroad for 135,000, and being unable to obtain 
his money was forced to advertise the road for 
sale. It was placed in a Receiver's hands, and our 
subject obtained his honest dues. In fact he has 
never lost any money in all his dealings with rail- 
roads. He has now withdrawn from contracting, 
and has erected himself a beautiful farm residence 
within a stone's throw of the C, B. & (I. R. R., 
where he can sit upon his front porch and see the 
iron horse as it pulls its thousands to some Eastern 
seashore or metr(_>polis. 



•«-^^ttt>^-^-^ 



ICIIARD 11. WARDEN, city editor of the 
Ottumwa Courier, has been a resident of 
this citj' since the spring of 1848. Besides 
) being an able journalist, he is a practical 
printer, and is thus well fitted for the duties of his 
present position, for it is a notable fact that the 
most eminent journalists of our countrj' began life 
as printer bo^'s, and thus obtained an insight into 
the details of newspaper work more correctlj' than 
could have been secured in anj' other manner. 

The subject of this histor}- is a native of Ken- 
tuck}-, and first opened his eyes to the light in the 
city of Maysville, on the 8th of March, 1826. He 
is the son of Richard and Elizabeth (Chunn) War- 
den, and when but eight j'ears of age removed 
with his parents from his native State to Clermont 
County, Ohio, where they located in the town of 
Bethel, of which they remained residents for about 
three years, and where his father died in 1839. 
Mrs. W'arden subsequently removed to Decatur 
County, Ind., and there married Col. John Kane, 
of Williamsburg, Ohio. She subsequentlj' returned 
to Ohio, and died in Williamsburg in 1874. 

Richard H. Warden learned the printer's trade 
at Batavia, Ohio, in the otHce of Andrew M. (iuest, 
and worked as a journe^'man until the spring of 
1846. He then took charge of the Clinton Jiepub- 




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178 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Jican at AViliniiiiiton, Ohio, which was owned by 
David Fisher, tlieii Meiiil)er of Congress from the 
Second Ohio District. In this capacity j'oung War- 
den was cniployeil until 18 18, and then crossing the 
.Mississippi, came to Ottuniwa. Soon afterward, in 
company with'.]. II. D. Street, he established the 
Des Moines fhuriei; with wliich paper he was con- 
nected as editor and publisher until Dec. 20, 1850. 
He then sold out, determined to change his occupa- 
tion, and engaged in the hotel and mercantile busi- 
ness. 

Mr. W.'irden had Ijceu carefully trained in prin- 
ciples of lK)nor and rectitude, and was a young man 
of more than ordinary ability. After coming to 
this section his excellent personal traits of character 
received ready recognition, and he was at once 
taken into the confidence of his fellow-townsmen. 
In April, 1S49, he was appointed Postmaster of 
Ottnmwa, which othce he occupied for a period of 
four years and two months. During the progress 
of the late war, in August, 18(;2, he enlisted as a 
private in Co. E, ofith Towa \'ol. Inf., was elected 
First Lieutenant, and mustered in at Keokuk. His 
regiment subsequently Ijecarne a part of the 7th 
Army Corps, under (ien. K. (). C. Ord. 

Lieut. Warden participated with his regiment in 
the Yazoo expedition, battles of Helena and Little 
Rock, and various other minor engagements. Jn 
December, 18G3, he was sent home on recruiting- 
service, and was thus engaged until April, 18G4, 
during which time he enlisted l(i.') men. While in 
the service he was aide-de-camp to Gens. Asboth 
and Prentiss, being also Assistant Adjutant-General 
of the 2d Brigade, 1st Division of Steele's Army 
Corps. From June 10 to Dec, 4, 1864, he served 
as Post Adjutant at Little Rock, Ark., and soon 
afterward, on account of dangerous illness in his 
family, he resigned his commission and returned 
home. 

After the close of his military services Mr. A>'ar- 
den returned to Ottumvva, being appointed Assist- 
ant Assessor of Internal Revenue, and was connected 
with the revenue service for ten years. Since 18G'J 
he has been continuously with the Courier, either 
as general editor, business manager, or city editor. 
He has been associated with the press of the State 
longer than an}- other editor now engaged npon an 



Iowa newspaper. His ability as a journalist is un- 
questioned. He is a terse and forcible writer, fear- 
less in his denunciation of wrong and courageous 
in maintaining the right. 

Richard II. Warden and Miss Virginia C. Adams 
were united in marriage, in Ottumwa on the 26th 
of February, 1851. Mrs. W. is a native of Louis- 
ville, K_y., and the date of her birth was the 20th 
of October, 1832. By her union with our subject 
she has become the mother of seven children, three 
of whom died in infancy. The living are George 
A., Nettie C, Annie, and Clara C. Mr. W. is a 
Repul)lican in politics, and active in all worthy- pub- 
lic enteriirises. He has been a member of the Com- 
mon Council of Ottumwa and Citj- Treasurer, and 
his fellow-townsmen in numerous other ways have 
manifested for him their high esteem. 



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II 




APT. TIMOTHY EGAN, of the firm of 
Moriart}', Egan & Co., transacting an ex- 
tensive wholesale grocery business in Ot- 
tumwa, Iowa, is a native of the Empire State, hav- 
ing lieeu born in Lewis County, near Booneville, 
(jn the 1st of .lanuary, 1838, He is the son of 
Timothy and Margaret (Tierney) Egan. Timothy 
Egan, Sr,, was a native of Ireland, possessing all 
the generous characteristics of the Celtic race, and 
while a young man eniigi'ated to the United .States 
and became a contractor on the Black River Canal. 
He possessed fine abilities, and had received a lib- 
eral education. The parental family included 
eight children, four of whom are living, the record 
being as follows: James, of Syracuse, N. Y., dur- 
ing the progress of the late Civil War, enlisted as 
a soldier of the Union in the 3,ith New York In- 
fantrj-, and served until the close; F^dward, of Salt 
Lake City, is owner of the White House Hotel, and 
has been .an extensive cattle dealer, having now ac- 
cumulated a competency ; Ann became the wife of 
Lawson Cunningham, of Sterlingville, Jefferson 
Co., N. Y., and Timothy is our subject. The father 
died in .lefferson County, N. Y., in 1849; the 
mother is still living in Ottumwa. at the advanced 
age of seventj'-nine ^-ears. 

The subject of this biography received his early 



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edneation in the district schoc)ls, and remained witli 
his parents until after he had attained to years of 
manhood. In 18G1, the late war being then in 
progress, he enlisted in the 3.5th New York In- 
fantry, becoming a member of Companj' F, and 
was first stationed with his regiment at Klniira, N. 
Y. A short time afterward they were ordered to 
Arlington Heights, where the regiment assisted in 
building the forts, and young Kgan engaged, with 
his comrades, in the various battles and skirmishes 
which they afterward encountered. They marched 
to Manassas, where they found a detachment of the 
enemy under rJen. Patrick, and thence, returning 
to Alexandria and Fredericksburg, participated in 
the first engagement, and were the first to open 
fire. They afterward met the enemy at Rap|)ahan- 
nock and Culpeper, Va., where tliey covered (ien. 
Banks' divisicm, and wound uji with considerable 
skirmishing. Sul)sequently they engaged in the 
battle of Bull Run, and were then sent to Mary- 
land and went into the fight at South .Mountain, 
where Gen. Reno was killed; thence U> Antietam. 
where the regiment lost heavily and where Mr. 
Egan was wounded with a piece of shell in the 
groin, and received a bullet in the left foot and 
calf of the leg. He was confined in the hospital at 
(ieorgetown, and after an absence from his regi- 
ment of four months, rejoined it at Hatchie River. 
After various other engagements they proceeded 
to Fredericksburg, where occurred the last general 
engagement of the regiment, their term of service 
having expired. Mr. Egan returned to Jefferson 
County, N. Y., and raised Company C, of the 186th 
New York Volunteers, of which he was commis- 
sioned Captain, this being in the fall of 18G3. He, 
with his command, was assigned to the .5th Corps 
under (ien. Warren, with which they remained 
until the close of the war. Capt. Egan was jires- 
ent at the grand review in Washington, and was 
mustered out as Captain at .Sackett's Harbor, after 
which he returned to his native count3'. 

In March, 1866, Capt. Egan decided to visit 
the western countiy, and accordingly crossed the 
Father of Waters and came into Iowa, locating in 
Ottumwa, where he was employed I)}- the marble 
firm of M. B. Root & .Son, with whom he remained 
until the following year. In 1808 he purchased a 




stock of hardware, and associated himself in part- 
uerslii[) with Mr. Harper, and thej- engaged in 
trade under the name and style of Egan & Harper. 
They were soon afterward burned out, hut fortun- 
ately were insured to the full extent of loss. The 
firm then purch.ased the interest of Mr. William 
Doggett, and was re-organized, becoming Egan, 
Harper & Co. In 1881 Mv. Egan sold his inter- 
est, and the following year established the present 
business. 

Capt. Egan was married in .Teffersou County, N. 
Y., near Watertuwn. in 18(18, to Miss Mary Benoit, 
who was a native of Northern New York. They 
became the jiarents of three children, of whom one 
only is living — .\lfred T. They occupy a pleasant 
home in this city, and Mr. Egan, socially as well 
■as in a business point of view, is reckoned among 
the leading citizens of the county. He is essen- 
tially a self-made man, and self-educated, only en- 
joying the privilege of three months" .schooling 
when a btiy of eleven years old. His education 
was completed while in the arin3', b\' studj'ing 
nights and whenever opportunity occurred. He is 
Republican in politics, and has filled the various 
local offices of his township. He is at present Al- 
derman frinn the Fourth Ward, and socially a 
member o( Cloutman Post No. 69. 






i^ MITll AUGUSTU.S SPILMAN, M. 1)., a 
successful physician and surgeon, has been 
a resident of Ottumwa since 1870, and by 
his straightforward business methods and 
unquestioned medical skill has secured the approval 
and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He is a native of 
Jennings County, Ind., and was born on tlicOth of 
March, IS.i;!, his parents being John D. and .Amelia 
(Peicival) .Spilman, natives of Kentucky, who came 
to Indiana before their marriage. After this event 
.lohn 1). .Spilnum located u|)on a farm and engaged 
in agricultur.al pursuits, which he afterward aband- 
oned and interested himself in trade. In 1860 they 
removed to Decatur County, Ind., where he became 
prominent in public affairs, being elected County 



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80 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Auditor, which pusition lie uccupied for eight 
3ear.s. He was strougi}- Republican in politics, and 
acted as Chainuan of the Republican Central Com- 
mittee. He was a man of rare intelligence, an ex- 
tensive reader, and kept himself thoroughly posted 
upun all matters of general interest. During the 
[irogress of the late war, in l.SO-2, he enlisted in the 
7<;th Indiana Infantry, and served as a soldier until 
the close of his term of enlistment, his duties in 
the service confining him mostly within the boiuid- 
aries of Kentucky. 

•lohn 1). Spilman was a thoroughly religious man, 
prominently connected with the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church and licensed as a local preacher. After 
the close of the war he removed across the Missis- 
sippi into Iowa, becoming a resident of Wapello 
County, and died Aug. 19, 1876. He belonged to 
the I. 0. O. F. and Masonic fraternity, being a 
master of the latter order, and one of its most in- 
teresting public speakers. His wife, the mother of 
our subject, survived her husband until issi, aiid 
then departed to join him in the silent land. She 
was a most amiable Christian, highly respected by 
all who knew lier; she sympathized thoroughly 
with her husband in his opinions and projects, and 
with him was also a devoted member of the Meth- 
odist Church. 

The subject of our sketch received his primary 
education in the schools of Greensburg, Ind., and 
in I87G entered the office of Dr. C. G. Lewis, of 
Ottumwa, one of the most eminent physicians of 
this locality. After pursuing a thorough course 
of study there Mr. .Spilman entered the Chicago 
Medical College, the medical department of the 
Northwestern lluiversity, graduating in the class of 
1879. He then returned to Ottumwa and was ad- 
mitted to partnership with his preceptor. Dr. Lewis, 
and thej' operated together until September, 1882, 
since which time Dr. Spilman has practiced alone. 
He is an honored member of the |)rofessiou in this 
vicinity, and a member of Wapelhj and Des Moines 
\'alle3' Medical Societies, holding in the latter the 
l)Osition of Secretar3' and Treasurer. He is also 
connected with the State ^ledical Society and the 
American Medical Association. 

Dr. Spilman gives his entire attention to the du- 
ties of his profession, iu which he is ambitious to 



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excel, and is making fine progi'ess in that direction. 
He is a close student, an extensive reader, and 
fully deserves the success which he has hitherto en- 
joyed. Sociallj- he belongs to the Masonic frater- 
nitj', and is also a Knight of Pythias. He has 
passed all the chairs and represented the order in 
the Grand Lodge, holding at present the office in 
this district of Deputj- Grand Chancellor, and is 
also connected with the Sons of Veterans, in which 
he holds the position of Surgeon-General and ranks 
as Brigadier-General. 

The subject of our sketch was married, Sept. 2'^, 
1873, to Miss Marj- ,T. Kiser, a native of Indiana. 
Mrs. Mary J. Spilman remained the companion of 
her husband for oulj' a little more than two years, 
dying in April, 1876, and leaving one child— Mat- 
tie A. The Doctor was married the second time on 
the 4th of December, 1 879, to Miss Mary Ball, of 
Ottumwa, who died on the 2d of March, 1881. Dr. 
Spilman contracted a third marriage on Dec. 29, 
1886, with Miss Alice Sellers, of Oskaloosa, Iowa. 



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'AMES ADAMS, the first white man who 
made settlement in what is now Adams 
Towushi[), and which was named after him, 
also established the first blacksmith-shop in 
the township, and operated this in connection with 
the improvement and cultivation of his farm. He 
was born in Canada, and when a young man moved 
to Licking Countj', Ohio, thence came to Van 
Buren County. Iowa, in 1842, when the New Pur- 
chase was first opened up for settlement, and sub- 
sequently' moved to this county. As may be sup- 
posed he became prominent in the affairs of his 
towiiship, and was greatl3' respected for his sterling- 
worth of character. He was twice married before 
leaving Canada, his second wife having been Miss 
Sarah Barton, b}' whom he became the father of five 
children. He was a straightforward business man, 
and a member of the Baptist Church. 

One of his sisters married Theophilus Blake, Sr., 
well known as the founder of Blakesburg in Adams 
Township, and of whom a sketch will be found iu 
another part of this Albuji. 



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JUDGE HENRY B. HENDERSHOTT, a val- 
ued citizen of Ottumwa, and whose portrait 
is given on the opposite page, is a descend- 
ant of excellent old "Welsh and (TSroxan 
families, and possesses in a goodlj* degree the 
worthy traits of his ancestors. He was born in 
Miami County, Ohio, on the 15th of May, 1816; 
his father was a native of New Jersey and his 
mother of Ohio. Soon after the birth of their son, 
our subject, in the autumn of the same year they 
removed to the Tcrvitovj- of Illinois, and located 
in Madison County, where the early life of Henry 
Hendershott was passed, amid the wild scenes of a 
pioneer's life. His opportunities for securing an 
education were verj' limited, only being able to at- 
tend school during the winter seasons, and then 
often obliged to walk three or four miles in order 
to reach the public institution of learning. At an 
earl}' period in his life he gave unmistakable indi- 
cations of gi-eat resolution and force of character, 
which his later j-ears fulh* established. At the age 
of nineteen years he started out alone and on foot 
for Illinois College, at Jacksonville. When he 
reached the place he had but ^'i.oO in his pocket, 
and a very scanty wardrobe. He laid his case be- 
fore the faculty of the college, of which Rev. Ed- 
ward Beecher was President, and they, appreciating 
the worthiness of his undertaking, extended to him 
all the encouragement in their power. At that 
time there was a large farm and workshop attached 
to the college, and during such spare hours as he 
could obtain from his studies, young Hendershott 
applied himself to work, receiving twelve and one- 
half cents per hour. He remained two j-ears in 
college, alternating work with study and keeping 
equal pace with his classmates. At length he found 
it necessary to find something to do which would 
contribute more liberally to his support. 

Mr. Hendershott, in 1837. after leaving college, 
proceeded westward to Burlington, Iowa. He se- 
cured a position as clerk in the post-office, and was 
afterward emploj'ed in the Recorder's office. He 
still continued the pursuit of his studies during his 
leisure moments, and took up the study of law un- 
der the instruction of Judge David Rorer and M. 
D. Browning. He had been faithful to his duties 
in the Recorder's office, and in 18;39 was appointed 



Deputy Clerk of the District Court of Des Moines 
County, by the Hon. Charles Mason of that court. 
Here he remained for two years, in the meantime 
continuing his studies, and was finally'- admitted to 
the bar in 1841. The following year he removed 
to Mt. Pleasant, Henry County, .and soon afterward 
to Fairfield, Jefferson County. Thence he went to 
Agency City, and on the 16th of Msiy, 1844, came 
to Ottumwa, where he located permanently, being 
one of the most honored pioneers and highly re- 
spected citizens of the place. 

In February, 1844, previous to becoming a resi- 
dent here, ]Mr. H. was appointed, by Judge Mason, 
Clerk of the District Court of Wapello County, 
which office he held until the following September. 
While acting as Clerk it became his dutJ^ by an 
act of the Legislature, to organize the county. On 
the 17th d.ay of December of the following j'ear 
he was appointed by Gov. James Clark to the office 
of District Pros(!Cutor for the Seventh District of 
Iowa, and not quite a j'ear from that time, on the 
17th of September, 1846, Gov. Clark commissioned 
him Colonel of the 2d Regiment, 1st Brigade, 
4th Division, Iowa Militia. On the 10th of April, 
1849, he was commissioned by Hon. George W. 
Jones, Surveyor-General of Wisconsin and Iowa, as 
surve3'or to sectionize townships. At the September 
term of the United States Court, in 1848, he was 
appointed bj' that court to the responsible position 
of Commissioner of Iowa, to act in conjunction 
with Joseph C. Brown, Commissioner from Mis- 
souri, in determining the vexed question of the 
boundary line between those States. In the mean- 
time Mr. Brown died, and Hon. Robert W. Wells 
was appointed his successor. Mr. Wells, finding 
that the duties of Commissioner interfered with 
those of a Judge, resigned, and Hon. W. G. Minor 
was appointed to succeed him. The joint services 
of Judge Hendershott and Mr. Minor gave entire 
satisfaction, and their report was accepted as a final 
settlement of a prolonged and liitter dispute over 
the line. 

In the summer of 18.50 Judge H. was elected to 
represent the counties of Wapello, Monroe and 
Lucas in the State Senate, where he served four 
years. In this bod}' he was a member of the 
Judiciary Committee, and took an active part in 



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184 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 






forraini; the code of 1H.')1. Tn January following 
he wa:< elected a nieinlier of the Iowa Historical 
and GeologicarSociety. He was t'lerk ot the City 



Council 



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■5."?, and again in 1855. Four 






years later he was a member of the City Council. 
In the meantime, however, in 1851). the subject of 
our sketch liad been elected .ludge of the District 
Court for the Third .ludicial District, the duties of 
which position he performed with great credit to 
himself and acceptability to the bar and the people. 
It may be said, without disparagement to others, 
that the reports of cases decided by the Supreme 
Court of the State will show a less proportion of 
W'Thr Judge Ilendershott's rulings reversed than those of 
'• any other .Judge in the State. Upon retiring from 
the bench the bar tendered him a complimentary 
supper, at which resolutions of approval of his 
services were passed. 

On the 8th day of June, 1845, Judge Hender- 
shott was united in marriage with Miss Mar}' W. 
Jeffries, daughter of Judge Paul C. Jeffries, of 
Ottumwa. She w.as born in Mecklenburg Countj', 
Va., in 18-2(), and by her marriage with our subject 
became the mother of seven sous and one daughter. 
The family residence at Ottumwa is one of the 
most attractive in the city and the abode of com- 
fort and luxurj'. Within its hospitable doors the 
cultured citizens of Ottumwa often gather with ex- 
pressions of good-will and friendship toward their 
honored fellow-citizen and his amiable and excel- 
^ lent lad}'. 

Since 1850, with the exception of the time he 
was actually engaged in the duties of State Senator 
and during the time he acted as Judge of the 
District Court, Mr. Hendershott has been actively 
engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1876 
he was the Democratic nominee for Congress in 
the Sixth District of Iowa, which was then Repub- 
ican by 5,000 majoritj'. Though his defeat was 
o be expected he yet ran several hundred votes 
head of his ticket. 
Judge Hendershott has filled many offices of re- 
sponsibility and honor, and always with industry, 
, vigor and aliility. He is a fluent, forcible and 
convincing speaker. His personal character is 
above reproach, and he has always been a stanch 
friend and supporter of education, morality and 








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sobriety. He is. in all respects, an honored repre- 
sentative of the pioneer element of Wapello County, 
and has arisen to his present position by the exer- 
cise of his own native talent and resolution. 



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'^ M. SPRIN(;EK, trainmaster of the C.IJ. ct 
(^. R. Iv. and stationed at Ottumwa, has been 
a resident of the Hawke^e State since 185"2, 
having come here with his parents when a 
child t)f two j'ears old. He was born in Dayton 
County, Ohio, on the 12th of October, 1850. Two 
3'ears later his parents crossed the Mississippi and 
settled in Wapello Countj'. Here their son, our 
subject, was reared and attended the district 
schools until the age of fourteen years. He seemed 
to have a natural inclination for railroading, and 
at the age mentioned, boarded the trains of the C, 
B. & (-1. R. R., as newsbo}'. At the age of fifteen 
his active experience commenced as a brakemau, 
and three years later he w.-is conductor on a freight 
train. In 1870 he accompanied Heur^' Teilson, a 
Superintendent of the C, B. it (J. R. R., as freight 
conductor in Oregon. Mr. Teilson being Superin- 
tendent of the Oregon ife California Railroad, after 
which young Springer ran a passenger train for two 
years. In the spring of 1874 he returned to Ot- 
tumwa, where he was given a train and occupied a 
responsible position until 1882. He was then ap- 
pointed trainmaster, the duties of which he ha.s 
fulfilled faithfully since that time. He is a gentle- 
man of fine address, courteous and agreeable, and 
thoroughly posted in railroad matters. He is a 
great favorite among the fraternity', and a member 
in good standing of the Brotherhood of Railway 
Conductors, and the A. O. U. W. 

Upon his return from Oregon, J. ^I. Springer 
was united in marriage with Miss Emma Fiedler, 
their union taking place in 1874. Mrs. Springer 
is a sister of Frank Fiedler, of Ottumwa. Of this 
union there have been born four children — Harr}' 
J.. Willie H., Maxon G. and Frank J. 

Mr. Springer has literallj' grown up with the 
county, and has taken an active interest in its wel- 
fare, being the encourager and sup])orter of ever}- 
worthy enterprise having for its object the promo- 



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tion of education, morality and sobriety, and in a 
resilience of over tliirtj' years has secnred for him- 
self the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. 

George Springer, the father of our subject, was 
born in Pennsjivania, whence he removed when a 
boy to ^laryland. Later, he went to Dayton, Ohio, 
and after a time proceeding still further westward, 
located at Brownsville, Ind., where he was united 
in marriage with Miss Jane Conway. In 1852 thej^ 
crossed the Father of Waters, and coming into the 
llawkeye State, located in Wapello County. The 
parental household consisted of ten children, five 
uf whom are still living, as follows: John, of 
Agency City; J. M., of our sketch; Ellen, the wife 
of Chris Heller, of this county, and Frank and 
Charlie, twins, of Ottumwa, both being conductors 
on the C, B. & Q. li. R. The father of the family 
folded his hands for his final rest in 1873, leaving 
behind him a record of kindly acts and a blameless 
life. The mother is still living with her son in 
Agenc}' City. Both parents were connected with 
the Baptist Church, and carried out in their dailj' 
lives the principles which the v I'eligiously professed. 



eHARLES E. and LIZZIE R. McKINNEY, 
subjects of this biographj', are natives of 
Nauvoo, 111., and the children of R. AV. and 
Mary (Beck) McKinney, natives of Ohio, who 
removed from their native State to Nauvoo after 
their maiTiage at an early period in the history of 
the Prairie State. From there the}' removed to 
Bushnell, 111., where they still live, the father en- 
gaged in the practice of law. The parental house- 
hold consisted of seven children, two of whom 
died in infanc}-. The five surviving received care- 
ful home training and a good education, and in- 
herited from their parents a more than ordinary' 

: amount of intelligence, with considerable literary 

; ability. 

Charles E. and Lizzie R. McKinney are proprie- 

; tors of the Eldon liecien-, which was established in 
1K81, by E. H. Thomas, as an independent paper. 
It was purchased bj- the bi'other and sister in 
April, 1885, and is being conducted with ability 
and success. It is a seveu-columu folio, issued 



weekly, and its present publishers are maintaining 
its first character as an independent journal. 

Charles E. McKinney learned the printer's trade 
at Nauvoo, 111., and afterward was employed as a 
joui'ueyman in Bushnell, 111. IMiss McKinnej' w.as 
formerly a teacher of the graded schools in Bush- 
nell, Macomb and Keokuk, Iowa, and is possessed 
of fine literary talent, and has been a popular con- 
tributor to the journals of St. Louis, Chicago, 
Kansas City, Burlington, and other leading cities. 
She seems to have inherited in a large measure the 
talents of her father, who has also contributed man}' 
interesting articles to the various leading magazines 
of the country, among those which attiacted at- 
tention being a discussion of the Mormon question 
in the pages of the North American Revieio. He 
also assisted in the compilation of Beadle's "History 
of Mormonism," and other important and interest- 
ing works. The remaining children of the parental 
family are as follows: R. M. is engaged as book- 
keeper in a bank at Burlington, Iowa: W. C. is a 
dentist of Hav.ana, 111. ; E. II. is a teacher at 
Bushnell, 111. 

The publishers of the Eldon Reoiew bid fair to 
foUow in the footsteps of their father, possessing a 
large share of his mental capacities, and conducting 
theii- paper with intelligence and ability. Its cir- 
culation is steadily increasing and they are building 
up a flattering patronage. 

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EDWARD MORIARTY, senior member of 
the wholesale grocery firm of iloriarty, 
Egan ife Co., of Ottumwa, is one of the lead- 
ing and most enterprising citizens of AA'apello 
County. The firm with which he is connected 
carries on an extensive business and is regarded as 
one of the most substantial in this section of the 
State. 

Mr. 3Ioriarty is a native of Portsmouth, Ohio, 
and was born Feb. 17, 1842. His parents were 
Morris P. and Mary (Pheney) Moriarty, natives of 
Ireland, who emigi-ated to America in about 1835. 
After coming to this country Morris Mori.irty be- 
came engaged as an employe in the eoustructiou 
of railroads and afterward engaged in mercantile 



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186 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 




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pursuits at Agene>' City, Iowa, aud at Ottuinwa. 
He was stricken d<jwn in the prime of life, flying 
in 1803, leaving his widow and a family of seven 
cliildren mainly dependent upon the eldest son, our 
subject, for their support. This duty Mr. M. ful- 
filled in the most admirable auanner, providing 
generously for the education of his brothers and 
sisters, who are now highly respected members of 
society and occupy their rightful position among 
tlio cultured people of this vicinity. In the mean- 
time he did not neglect his own education, and 
after an attendance at the primary schools entered 
St. .Joseph College in Perry County, Ohio, where 
he pursued a thorough course of study and subse- 
quently attended Sinsinawa Mound College, in 
\\isconsin, where he graduated in 1862, at the 
age of twenty years. The j^ear following he came 
to Ottumwa and established himself in the grocerj' 
l)usine.ss, meeting with success from the start, and 
l)y his straightforward business methods and 
courteous demeanor toward his customers, secured 
;i I;irge and profitable patronage. In 187.5 here- 
moved to Red Oak, Montgomery County, and, 
.associating with him one of his brothers, com- 
menced dealing in groceries at wholesale and was 
attended with the same success which marked his 
first business venture. Seven j'ears later, in 1882, 
he organized the present firm at Ottumwa and 
which, conducted by the business methods which 
.Mr. M. had heretofore so successfully pursued, has 
liecome one of the leading houses of its line in this 
section of the State. 

Tiie marriage of Kdward Moriarty and Miss 
Helen O'Keefe, of Plattsmouth, Neb., was cele- 
brated Fell. 7. 1877, and of this union there have 
been born four children, three of wh(^m are living, 
viz: Edward, Morris and Leo. They occupy a 
handsome residence in this city and are surrounded 
l)y all the comforts and luxuries which a culti- 
vated taste and ample means afford. Their dwell- 
ing is equipped with all the modern improvements — 
gas, hot and cold water pipes, bath, etc. 

Politicall}' Mr. M. is Democratic and uniformly 
casts his vote in support of the ]irinciples of his 
party. He is |)roniineutly identified with the busi- 
ness and industrial interests of this communitj' and 
contributes cheerfully of his time and means for 







the promotion of every worthy enterprise con- 
nected with the welfare of his citj^ and countj'. 
He and his wife ai-e both members of the Catholic 

Church. 

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HARLES HARLEN, a highly respected resi- 
dent of Green Township, is a native of Swe- 
^^fj den, born March 1. ls4fl, and the son of "tti 

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Munson and Carrie (Anderson) Harlen. His father 3 
was a farmer by occupation, and lie was re.ared nn 
der the parental roof, attending the schools of his 3 
native country and assisting in the duties around 3 
the homestead. When he became of suitable age 
he learned the trade of a wagon-maker, at which he 
worked for three years in his own country, or until 
l^iG8. Then, believing that he could improve his 
fortune by coming to America, he l)id farewell to 
home and the associations of his youth and started 
for the New World. After a prospert)Us voyage 
he landed at New York City, and turning his steps B^ 
directly' westward, journeyed to the Prairie .State, «j: 
making his first location in Princeton. Bureau 
County. He there engaged as a farm laborer for ^\ 

)ston, Mer- %-y 

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four months, and then, going to New Bos 
cer County, he engaged at his former occupation, 
w.agon-making, and remained there two and a half 
years. Ho then crossed the Mississippi and came 
into Iowa, working at his trade, and after four 
months thus employed came to Ottumwa in the 
spring of 1S71. He there engaged to work for .Mr. 
Hartman, who was carrying on a wagon manufac- 
tory, and remained in Ottumwa until the following 
spring, when he was employed liy the C, B. ife (\. 
R. R. Co., as Car Inspector, which position he held 
for the following seven years. He then went upon Slij 
the road as a brakeman for two months, and then 
purchased a grocery store at Dudley, Iowa, which 
he operated for a short time and then leturned to St i 
Ottumwa. He next engaged as a teamster for two 
years, and in 1879, having all tliis time practiced a 
strict economy, he purchased ninety acres of land 
in Green Township, on section 10, which consti- 
tutes his present home. He has brought his land 
to a good state of cultivation, has a comfortable 
farm dwelling, good barns and outhouses, and ev- 
erything necessary for the carrying on of agricult- 
ure after the most imjiroved methods. 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 




Charles Hiiileu and Miss Christina Jeppson were 

■^1 married Nov. 21, 1874. She is a native of his own 

I country, and they have become the parents of Ave 

" children, as follows : Clara Matilda was born Aug-. 

T|rg I'S, 187.J; Juliet Ellen, b(jrn Nov. 3, 1877, died 

April ;!, 1878; Ella .Juliet, born .luly 10, 1870; 

Carl Alben, July 12, 1882, and Harriett Alvira, 

ij;:a Juljr 12, 188j. Mr. and Mrs. II. are members in 

:i|:C i>()o(l standing of the Lutheran Church at Ottumwa. 

I'H Mr. H. is quiet and undemonstrative, attending 

I ; strictly to ills own affairs, and in every respect is 

M an honorable member of his community. Aside 

}^ : from his general farming operations he is giving 

;;; considerable attention to the breeding of fine stock, 

yj (»f niiich he has a number of valu.able animals. In 

^:| |)olitics he is Republican. A view of the residence 

of Mr. Ilailen will be found on another page. 




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ir!^ bell, the great defender of primitive Christianity, 

M| Christian Church. Bethany College, the institution 

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and often falsely referred to us the fouiuler of the 



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AMUEL KAYL. Among the well-to-do 
and successful farmers of Agency Town- 
sjiip, and a gentleman who has attained 
success in life through industry and econ- 
omy, is the gentleman whose biography we nc)w 
write. He is at present engaged in the calling 
;;E which he has followed the greater portion of his 
life on his fine farm in Agency Township, and in 
addition to the cultivation of the cereals, is devot- 
ing considerable time to stock-raising. Mr. Rayl 
was born in Fayette County, Pa., Sept. 2, iJSly, 
and is the .son of .Samuel and Nancy (Flick) Kayl, 
the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter 
of (German ancestry. 

The subject of this notice learned the carpenter's 
trade in early years from his father, a man well 
skilled asacari)enter and builder, who departed this 
life in Middleburg. Va. His wife, the mother of 
our subject, died in Pennsylvania. 

Samuel Rayl after learning tiie carpenter's trade 
worked at the same with his father until he was 
i about twenty-two years of age. He then went to 
i| ! Brooke Count3', \'a.. and located at Hethany, a 
I small town, where he worked for Alexaiulei- Camp- 



ACOB MILLISACK, a prominent citi/.en of 
Wai>ello Count}% was born in A\'ashington 
Count}-, Pa., Jan. 9, 1800, being a son of 
Philip and Maiy Millisack, both of whom 
were natives of Lancaster County. Pa., and of 
(rierman parentage. When twelve years old our 
subject began to learn the trade of a hatter in 
Washington, Pa., and .served the following six 
years as an apprentice. His father had died when 
he was under six years, and at tweh e hi? heart was 
saddened and the world made lonely and desolate 
b\' the death of his mother. He bravely went to 
work, however, making the most of life, and in 
182W he went into Carroll County. ()hi<i, where he 
estal)lished himself in the hattei's business and (-;ir- 
ried on (piite an extensive trade for ten 3'ears. He 



of which iMr. Campbell was so long President, was 
in process of building, and Mr. Rayl was enii)lo3-cd 
in its erection. After the completion of the college 
Mr. R<a3'l went to Greene Coinit}-, Pa. I'rior to 
this, however, in 1842, he was married to Miss El- 
len, the daughter of Maj. Garrett Suedeker, who 
was born in Brooke Count}', Va., and lived as the 
faithful wife and companion of our subject until fS^ 
June ;>, 188G, when she passed to the land of the 
hereaftei-. Their union was blest by the birth of 
two children: Samuel G., who married a daughter 
of Maj. S. Cramer, and lives near our subject, and 
Elizabeth C, wife of George M. Shear, a lesident 
of Pleasant Township. 

Mr. Rayl came to Iowa in 18.5.J, from Penn.syl- 
vania, and settling in Compctine Township, was oc- 
cupied in farming until March 1, 180;"), when he 
purchased the farm he now occii|)ies in Agency 
Town,shii), consisting of 240 acres on the home 
farm and also sixty acres of timber. He has two 
good houses on his place, together with excellent ^f 
barns and first-class improvements, and is meeting 
with that success which energ}-, perseverance and 
good judgment will invariably bring. In politics 
Mr. Rayl votes witii the Republican party. He is a 
gentleman honored and respected for his sterling- 
worth and integrity, and for his straightforward and 
manly dealings with his fellow-man. 



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188 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 






23 then sold out and engaged in general merchandis- 
K|h| ing quite profitably for twenty-five years follow- 

J^l ing- 

On the 18th of >'ovenil)ur, 1.S04. (uir :^llbjeet 
came to Ottumwa, in the vicinity of which he had 
been bujing land for five or six years previouslj', 
and retired from active business, and tt)-da3' is 
comfortabl3' settled in a i)leasant home at 11 8 Sec- 
ond Street West. 

As might be expecleil Mr. Millisack had but 
meager advantages for an education, but by a course 
of entensive reading he has liecome well educated 
and well informed upon general matters. He was 
one of the prominent men of Carroll County, 
Ohio, for a period of forty j^ears, always taking 
an active part in evei-ything tending to advance 
the general welfare of the people. He was a strong 
friend of liberty and a colleague in the noble 
U'ItII work of anti-slavery with the illustrious William 
■^ Loyd Garrison. He was the first to ring the town 
bell when the Emancipatinn Proclamation was 
jp^jl issued, getting up at midnight in mid-winter to do 
^^ this. 

Our subject was married, July 12, 1821, to Miss 
Sarah, daughter of Isaac and Betsy (McNabb) 
Holmes, natives respectively of New Jersey and 
Ohio. To them were born eleven children, of whom 
the recoi'd is as follows : Martha, born Nov. 12,1822, 
became the wife of Thomas Cummings, of Lees- 
burg, Ohio, and died April 15,1849; Thomas is 
a clerk in Ottumwa; Wesley, a resident of Agencj', 
this county; Jeremiah died in infancy; Isaac is a 
clerk at Ottumwa; Mary is the wufe of W. F. Car- 
roll, of Ottumwa; Jacob C. is farming near Drakes- 
ville, Davis County ; Phebe is the w-ife of J. McCoy, 
of Leesburg, Ohio; William, born March 31,1839, 
died in the late war, serving as Quartermaster 
Sergeant ; Edward is a resident of Des Jloines. 

Mr. Millisack began life a poor boy, but bj- the 
exercise of his excellent business talent has made 
;}of life quite a success. In his political views at 
l)resent he is a Greenbacker. 

The wife of our subject died Jan. 21, 1884, 

aged eighty-four years and seven months. The}' 

jjhad lived together for sixty-two years, nine months 

} and seven days. She was a devoted Spiritualist, 

^•uid it was written of lior that " Her work of a life- 




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time, like that of Jacob Millisack, was well done." 
When he in the darkest and most dangerous hours 
of the great battle f(n' human rights, stood, as one 
man to a thousand, she was his strength and his sup- 
port, and with courage undaunted they mutually 
pledged their lives, fortunes and honor in sujiport 
of a principle that has since liberated four millions 
of people who were then marketed like beasts, but 
now free as the winds of Heaven. Who could do 
more.' In the life and career of our venerable 
subject, who has now lived to almost fourscore 
:ind ten j'ears, we find a noble specimen and ex- 
ample of the pioneer of the great West. Since 
the Revolutionary contest, he has witnessed the 
most important events in the historj' of our coun- 
try, and been an active participant therein. The 
reader will observe that in all the great questions 
of human liberty' ' and free thought that have 
agitated the minds of the American people in the 
last seventy years, Jacob Millisack has alwa3's 
been found on the side of right and progress. 
Always a keen and active thinker, logical in his 
conclusions, and eloquent in the expressions of his 
sentiments. 



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Vi?^^ELS HALL, a prosperous farmer and stock- 3 
I jji raiser of Polk Township, owns and occupies : 
\l^J!s) 1 1 15 acres of laud on section 32, and is a fine ; 
specimen of the thrift}' and industrious Scandi- : 
navian farmer. He was born in Sweden on the 5 
11th of February', 1839, and is the son of Nels and 3 
Sisly (Gunison) Hall, who emigrated from their 
native land in 1855, setting sail from Sweden on 
the loth of October, and after a voyage of six 
weeks landed at Boston Harb(jr, and from there 
proceeded directlj' toward the prairies of Illinois. 
Thej- located in the city of Moline, where the}' re- 
mained one year, and then, crossing the Mississippi, 
came into Wapello Count}", Iowa, and purchasing 
a small farm in Polk Township began the improve- 
ment and cultivation of a farm. They were pros- 
pered in their undertaking, and in the course of 
time the father of our subject added to his landed 
interests until he became the owner of 100 acres, 
wliicii lie brought to a good state of cultivation. 
The parental household included six chiklren, five 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 




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nf whom are yet living aiul of whom the recfu-d is 
as follows: Hannah lieeame tiie wife of Puter 
Oaklej-. and resides in Moline, 111.; Xels, our sub- 
ject, was next in order of birth; William died at 
the age of twenty-nine years in Montana 'I'erri- 
tory. and tiiere his remains are buried; Augusta 
married Percy Swanson, a farmer of Red ();ik, 
Iowa: .Tohn is a farmer of Nebrask.-i; Emma, the 
wife of Charles Carlson, resides in Jloline. 

Nels Hall, Jr.. was married to Miss Emma Peter- 
sen in 1^03. Mrs. PL is a native of the same 
country as her husband, and was born May 9, 1845. 
She is the daughter of Nels P. and JVIary (Ander- 
son) Petersen, and came to this country with her 
father, her mother having died in Sweden when 
Mrs. H. was a young child. Her father is still liv- 
ing in Polk Township. Of the marriage of our 
subject and his wife there were five children, viz. : 
John W.. born July 13, 18GG; Charles L., Dec. 1, 
ISIw; Frank W., Nov. 27, 1870; Guy P., March 
31), 1873, and Ellen A.. Aug. I'J, 1883. The family 
have been well raised and are prominently con- 
nected with the Lutheran Church. Mr. H. is Demo- 
<'ratic in politics and uniformly casts his vote in 
>ui>port of the principles of that part^'. 

In the sjjring of 18G0 he went overland to Col- 
orado, and there engaged in teaming and mining 
for a pei'iod of three years, in that time lieing fully 
satisfied with his experiences in the Far \\'est, and 
contented to return to a a more civilized locality. 



-i<sst^- 



y)ILLIAM HOBBS, deceased, was a highly 
respected farmer of Center Township, who 
^ ^ came from his native State of Maryland, 
to Wapello Count}', Iowa, in 1850, accompanied 
by his famil}'. They settled upon a tract of un- 
cultivated land, moved into a rude log cabin, and 
experienced many of the privations and hardships 
of pioneer life. Mr. Hobbs had been reared to 
habits of industry", and after settling upon his land 
in Center Township he industriously proceeded 
with its improvement and cultivation and in due 
time reaped the reward of his labors. He was a 
good man in every respect, honest and upright in 
liis dealings, and enjoj'ed to more than a usual de- 
cree the confidence and esteem of his neighbors'. 



Although never identified with any church organi- 
zation, he was iieculiarly benevolent and charitable, 
ready to assist at every call of distress and to con- 
tribute of his time and means to the promotion of 
every worthy enterprise. His name is held in kindly 
remembrance b}- a large circle of friends and ac- 
(juaintances as an example which the rising gener- 
ation would l)e wise to follow. 

Mr. Ilolibs was born near the city of Baltimore 
in 17'J4, where he received a common-school edu- 
cation and grew to manhood. He was a soldier in 
the War of 1812, and with his comrades fought 
bravely near Washington at the time of the burn- 
ing of that city. He was also at the battle of Bla- 
densburg, and for his militarj- services received a 
pension in his later years. At the close of this war 
Mr. Hobbs left his native State and went to Ken- 
tucky. He was subsequent!}' married to Miss Emily 
Tennant of the latter State, and they became the 
parents of ten children, eight of whom are still 
living and recorded as follows: Richard is a resi- 
dent of ^■ermilion County, 111. ; Elizabeth became 
the wife of Erastus Day, of Wapello County, Iowa; 
JIary E. married Jacob N. Moore, and lives in Bur- 
lington, Iowa; Achsah was married to William "SI. 
Day, of Putnam County, Ind.; Samuel lives in 
Palo County, Iowa; John, in Dallas County, Tex.; 
William, in Centralia, Iowa, and Rachel, the wife 
of B. J. Boulton, resides in Ottumwa. After his 
marriage in Kentucky, Mr. Hobbs with his young 
wife went into Indiana, where they remained until 
1850, then crossed the Father of Waters and came 
to this county, as before stated. 



JACKSON CRIDER, M. I)., founder and 
proprietor of Criiier Medical Institute, of 
Ottumwa, I<jwa, is a native of A'irgiuia, and 
was born in Abingdon, Washington County, 
on the 15th of October, 1831. He is the son of 
William A. and Elizabeth (Hinton) Crider, natives 
of Wiishington County, Xa., and of English and Ger- 
man descent. After their marriage and the birth 
of our subject, they removed from Virginia to Indi- 
ana, becoming residents of that section in 1838. 
Here J. Jackson attended the district schools, where 




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he received his primaiy education, and later at- 
tended Asbury University at Greencastle, Ind., j 
from which he graduated in the class of 1<S;J0. Dur- 
ing this time he entered upon the study of medi- 
cine under the tutelage of .1. Hall, of Greenfield, 
Ind. The following year he went to Lancaster, 
j^- Pa., and entered the otlice of IJr. Michael' Crider, 
MH his uncle, one of the most eminent physicians and 
I surgeons in the country at that time. With him he 
remained for a period of three years, and in 1854 
went to !New York, and for the following fifteen 
years practiced as a specialist in throat and lungdis- 
^^ I eases, diseases of the air passages, and female com- 
plaints. In 1870, wishing to avail himself of still 
higher opportunities of knowledge, he attended a 
course of lectures at the A. M. University of Penn- 
sjdvania, in the meantime pursuing a scientific 
course of stud}-, and graduated with the highest 
honors of his class. Ten years later the school sus- 

f— jTj- pended operations and never resumed. 
D Dr. Crider crossed the Mississippi in 1871, and 
made his location in Ottumwa, Iowa. The follow- 
ing year he completed his preparations for found- 
ing the Crider Institute, which has been in success- 
} q f ul operation since that time. It receives patients 
l,Mj\ from all the States in the Union and the Cauadas. 
pW*\ j^s an illustration of its popularity and success it 
may be proper to state that the receipts of this in- 
stitution for one year have aggregated the sum of 
$27,000. It is pleasantly and healthfully located 
on the corner of Second and \\'ashington streets, 
the building being three stories in height, and sup- 
^^ plied with all modern conveniencies and improve- 
ments, and patients are brought from all points on 
the six railroads leading into the city. 

Dr. Crider was married, in Boone County, Ind., 
his wife's native place, to Miss Mary E. Johns, on 
the loth of June, 1854. Mrs. C. is the daughter 
Uof Jacob Johns, a prominent stock-raiser of that 
jount}'. Her birth occurred on the 3d of April, 
1838, and by her union with our subject she has 
"Ijecome the mother of four children: Wilber E.,the 
assistant of his father; .Sarah E., the wife of I. D. 
More}', a stock-dealer of Ottumwa; Eva A., who 
married D. K. Smith, Superintendent of the Homes 
State Gold Mills of Ue:id City, Dak., and Ida M., 
who is unmarried and living at home. The family 





residence is pleasantly located, and its inmates are 
apparently' enjo^'ing all the comforts and many of 
the luxuries of life. They are regular attendants 
of the Presbyterian Church, and socially Dr. Crider 
belongs to the I. O. O. F. 

AMES M. PECK, Si;., an intelligent farmer 
and stock-grower, is pleasantly located on 
section 1, Center Township. Pew men are 
better known in Wapello County, he being 
first among the pioneers, the first Sheriff of the 
county, and one of its organizers. 

Jlr. Peck was born near the Catawl)a River, Bote- 
tourt County, Va., Feb. 15, 1S18. lie is a son of 
Jacob F. and Jane (Waggoner) Peck, both of 
whom were natives of the same State, the father be- 
ing of German, and the mother of Scotch descent. 
Jacob F. Peck was a farmer, and made a specialt}' 
of raising hemp and tobacco. These jjroducts he 
shipped on Craig's Creek, to the James liiver. prin- 
cipally on keelboats to various markets. In the 
War of 1812 he served as a soldier, with the rank 
of Orderly Sergeant. 

When James M. Peck was but seven years of age 
his parents moved from ^'irginia to Tillico I'lain, 
Monroe Co., E. Tenu., and settled upon a farm 
where they remained until their death. His mother 
died about Feb. 1, 1870, and his father in 1874. 
As may be inferred, the subject of this sketch was 
reared upon a farm and his educational advantages 
were limited indeed. On the 28th of May, 1840, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Rider, 
of Monroe Couiity, Tenn., the daughter of Alex- 
ander and Rachael A. (Talbot) Rider, also natives 
of that State. Mr. Rider died Jan. 1, 1872. Eight 
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Peck: 
Thomas J. is now deceased ; James Monroe is en- 
gaged in the liver}- business in Ottumwa; Andrew 
J. is engaged in the same business at South Ot- 
tumwa; Mary, George M., John H. and Charles I'\ 
are deceased ; Martha J., the wife of Henry P. 
Mudge, lives at Council Bluffs. 

In the fall of 1841, with his wife and one child, 
Mr. Peck moved overland from Tennessee to Mt. 
Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa, by means of two horses 



9-1 






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.52^ 



T TrTTr UrrrTrryrrrTifTTriixi 




WAPELLO COUNTY. 









Tj : and a wagon, being seven weeks on tlie road. In 
,ii : the fall of l!S42 he came to what is now Wapello 
Ki; C'ountj', and selected a claim. On this he subse- 
^; qiieutly erected a cabin in which he moved, and 
!k - when the land came into market he entered K!") 
n t acres at ^1.25 per acre. Upon this farm he has 
ij)'; since continued to reside. The old log house has 
[J. ^ since been replaced by one of the neatest farm 
" ; dwellings in Wapello C'ountj', together with a good 
ri : barn and all necessary out-buildings. lie has made 
! ; a specialty of stock-raising, including graded Short- 
horn cattle and Hambletonian horses, and is now 
ji; ; breeding the Norman stock, of which he has now 
Hi - uijon the farm some very fine roadsters. 
Ks Upon the organization of the count}', Mr. Feck 
UJ : was apjiointed the first Sheriff, and held the ofHce 
L|i : until the next general election. In politics he has 
Dj j always been a stanch supporter of the principles of 
W; the Democratic party, and socially belongs to the 
is L O. O. F. 

I 

y^B i|/_^ ENKV DOUNSIFE, a successful farmer and 
dairyman, residing on section 26, Washing- 
ton Township, is a n.ative of Lewistow-n, Pa., 
i^S) where he was born Nov. 20, l.sil). He is a 
-C son of Rtmianus and Catherine (Atler) Dornsife, 
lioth natives of Germany. They emigrated to the 
ij ; United States in 1817, where the father of our sub- 
ij: ; ject followed the trade of a blacksmith until his 
il ; demise, which event occurred in Lewistown, Fa., in 
; 1827. His good wife died in Mar^dand about the 
K year 1851. 

After the death of his father our sul)ject went to 
3^S live with his uncle, Henry Dornsife, and made that 

yi his home until he attained the age of manhood. It 

u i** 

1 E was there that he learned the trade of lilacksmith 

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under the instruction of his uncle, and worked at 

the same until 1841. During that j'ear he went to 

Ohio, and while therein 1844, he w.as united in 

marriage with llartha A. Trego, born in Ross 

; County, that State, in 1820. By this union six 

c children were Ijorn — .lerome, Napoleon, Wellington, 

; Rosa, Alice and Frances. The mother dieil iu 

: 18.58, four years after our subject had left Ohio 

: and made settlement in Agency Townshiii, thi.> 



R3' 



■' : county, on what is known as Agency Farm. 



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In 18.)9 Mr. Dornsife formed a second matri- 
monial alliance, Mrs. Jane M. Harris, born in 
Switzerland, Ind., April 24, 1829, being the other 
contracting party. Of this latter union four chil- 
dren — Claia, Mattie, May and Lewie — have lieeu 
born. As intimated Mr. Dornsife came to this 
county in 1 8o4. from I'ickaway Count\', Ohio, and 
has made this his residence until the present time. 
He is a blacksmith, also a wagon and can-iage 
maker, and followed the manufacture of wagon> 
and buggies for a number of years, making shij)- 
ments as far west as Oregon, and has thereputatiun 
of being one of the very best horse-shoers in lln' 
State of Iowa. This lattei- trade he eertaiidy ought 
to be proficient in for he has followed it u[)ward of 
forty j-ears. 

Mr. Dornsife is at present the owner of Hid 
acres of finely improved land, on which he has a 
frame residence, a good barn and substantial out- 
buildings, and all necessary improvements used iu 
the canying on of a well-improved farm. He and 
his wife are consistent Christians and hold fellow- 
ship with the ;\Iethodist Episcopal Church. A 
lithographic view of his residence is shown on 
another page. 



/^^ H. FROSSER, of Center Township, owns 
(If ^L and occupies a snug homestead on section 2. 
^^^^ where he has prosecuted fsrming since lo- 
cating here in 188(;. From a tract of uncultivated 
land he has opened u|) a fine farm and ranks among 
the best residents of this section. 

Mr. Prosser is a native of Pittsburgh, Fa., ami 
was born in 184.5, being the son of John and .M:n- 
garet ((iittins) Prosser, natives respectively of 
Wales and Pennsylvania. His father emigrated to 
the United States in 1832, and settled in Philadel- 
l)hia. Pa., whence he removed to Pittsburgh, where 
he was married, and where the subject of our 
sketch received his early education. When he was 
a lad of eleven years the latter came to Iowa with 
his parents, arriving in Wapello County cm the 
11th of June, 18.5(i. Thej- located in Ottumw.-i. 
where they lived for al)out fourteen months, and 
then l(.iok possession of a tract of land in Center 




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192 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Township, where they established a comfortable 
hoiue caud spent the remainder of their da3's. 

In ISG'.), at the age of twenty-fonr years, young 
Prosser was united in marriage with Miss Hester 
(iolden, a native of Mercer County, Pa., and the 
daughter of James Golden, of England. Of this 
union there were born seven children, viz., Mar- 
garet H., Fannie Esther, Mollie, Warren Henry, 
Frederick William. Cliristopher (iulden and (irace 
Elva. 

During the progress of the late Civil War, .Mr. 
Prosser enlisted as a soldier of the L'niou Army on 
the 12th of January, If^GS. On account of disa- 
1»ility he was not permitted to serve, but not con- 
sidering the rea.son sulHcient, he proffered his serv- 
ices in another regiment, the .'.(itli [owa, Com|)any H, 
in which he served twenty-two months or until the 
close of the war. He [larticipated in several minor 
engagements, and after peace had been declared, 
returned to his family' in Center Township. He 
engaged in niilliug twelve miles south of Ottumwa 
the following year, and after being tlins occupied 
for twelve months, disposed of his interest there 
and engaged in the same business at Kiehmond 
until 1872, when he aliandoned milling and was 
occupied in farm pursuits for the following two 
and a half years. After this he became a resident 
of Monroe County for live years, and then returned 
to the farm in Center Township, where he has since 
resided and been industriously engaged in the 
varied duties of an agriculturist. Politically Mr. 
Prosser endorses the principles of the Pepublican 
party, and religiousl3' he is connected with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 



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^p!5)EORGE (;K1SW0LD, attorney at law of 
mi (=^ ottumwa, and a native of Wayne County, 
^^5) N. Y., removed from his native .State, in 
IJSoliWith his parents, and proceeding westvvard 
crossed the Mississijiiji into the Ilawkeye .State, of 
which he has since lieen a resident. He has dis- 
tinguislic<l hiinseif ;is a leading citizcji. a man of 
honor and honest)', and enjt>ys the resiiect and es- 
teem of his fellow-townsmen in a marked decree. 



The birth of our subject occurred on the 10th of 
Januar3', 1836, his parents being William II. an 
Sallie (Onderdonk) Griswold. natives of the >anie 
State as their son. William Griswold was Demo- 
cratic in politics and a prominent man in whatever 
locality he made his home. He had been an oHice- 
holder in his native State, and after coming to 
Iowa was a member of the State Legislature in 
1855-56, during the last session held in Iowa Cit^". 
He was a man of fine abilities, an extensive reader, 
and well posted in the affairs of his county and the 
countrj' at large. At the breaking out of the Re- 
bellion he was decidedly on the side of the North, 
and was known as a War Democrat. After a busy 
life tilled with good deeds he departed this life in 
May, 1884, at the advanced age of eighty- years. 
His wife, the mother of our subject, is still living, 
and is seventy-seven j^ears of age. 

The household circle of the parents of our suli- 
ject included nine children, five sons .ind four 
daughters, all of whom, with one exception, lived to 
adult j-ears, and six are still surviving. Henry and 
James are engaged in agricultural ptirsuits in Lee 
County', Iowa; Charles is in Montana; George, our 
subject, is the next in order of birth; Alniira is the 
wife of C. T. Moon, of Lee County, Iowa, and 
Mary married D. V. Miller, an attorney at law of 
Ottumwa. 

George (iriswold completed his education in the 
literary and law department of the Iowa State 
University in 1 M74, after close application and long- 
continued study. He was united in marriage with 
Miss .Mary L. Morgan, in 1864. Mrs. G. is the 
daughter of T. A. and Sylvia Morgan, of Wapello 
Count}', and also a graduate of the .State University 
of Iowa. Of this union there were born eight chil- 
dren, two sons and six daughters, as follows: Mor- 
gan, Edna, Dais.y, George and May (twins), Ann, 
Alice and .Myia. Mr. and Mrs. ('•. have given 
their children excellent educational ad v.antagcs, an<l 
they are regular attendants of the Ejjiscopal Church, 
of which Mr. and Mrs. (i. are niemljcrs in good 
standing. 

After graduating from the State Iniversity .Mr. 
(Iriswold was admitted to the bar in Iowa City, 
and ret-eived his certificate to practice in all the 
courts of the State. Before completing his studies 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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he had been activt'ly engaged in the cause of edu- 
cation, and for a time occupied the position of 
Princi)>al of the schools at Ft. Madison, lie first 
lead law in the oUiee of Judge Beck, of Ft. Madi- 
son, and before he coninieneed the practice of his 
profession was Deputy Clerk of Wapello Count}', 
Iowa, for four years, and then drifted into the ab- 
stract business. 

The Griswolds are an old and prominent family, 
and from the records which have been preserved 
for several generations we extract the following 
concerning the ancestry of our subject: Edward 
(iris wold, whose name stands at the head of the 
record, was born in Wales and descended from 
AVelsh ancestry, lie removed to England in early 
life, where he married and spent the remainder of 
his days. He became the father of four sons — 
Mathew, Thomas, John and (ieorge. By his re- 
quest all emigrated to America, landing at Say- 
brook, at the mouth of the Connecticut River, 
where Mathew and George located; Thomas settled 
at Windsor, and John at Weatheisfield, Vt. 
Mathew afterward went to the settlement of Lyme, 
opposite Saybrook. The Lyme branch of the fam- 
ily became distinguished as having furnished two 
Governors of Conne<;ticut — Mathew, who married ;i 
daughter of Gov. Roger Wolcott, and Roger Gris- 
wold, who first was a Member of Congress and 
afterward Governor. A sketch of these may be 
seen on page 33 of "Connecticut Historical Collec- 
tions." 

John (iriswold, the son of George and grandson 
of Edward, was born at Saybrook, and married 
Miss Isabella Price, the daughter of Col. Walter 
Price, and settled at Killingworth, where they both 
spent the remainder of their lives. Their son, Dan- 
iel (4riswold, was also born at Killingn'orth. where 
he spent his entire life; he married Miss Jerusha 
Stevens. Capt. Daniel Griswold, the son of the 
last mentioned, was born in Killingworth Dec. 1, 
17211. He commanded a company of Connecticut 
militia during the French AVar, and married Miss 
Mary Bushnell, in Sayl)rook, in October, 1750. 
He removed to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. V., 
forty years later, and there died on the lOthof 
-May, 1.S14. His wife dieil the following year, on 
the ,jth of February, at the same place. Their st»ns 




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were named Edward, .John, Francis, Aaron, Sim 
eon and William, all now deceased, William, the (j 
j'oungest, having departed this life Nov. 1."), 1 «.").'!. 
Simeon Griswold, son of Daniel, Jr., was Ixirii in 
Killingworth in 177;i. He married Mi.ss Racho 
AVillardat Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 17".t7 
thej- became the parents of eleven children: John. ^',=^,0 
Aaron, Horatio, William H. (the father of tiic suli- 1 ;|i 
ject of this sketch, and who was named after \\ill- ^ 
iam Hurd who married his father's sister), Alfred. 
Simeon, Sallie, INlaria, Joseph, Lorenzoand James 11. 
The record of the Willard family, ancestors of 
the mother of our subject, is .as follows: Jlaj. .Simon 
Willard, the first of the name in America, was a 
native of the county of Kent, England, from which 
he emigrated in about 1830, and settled in Con- 
cord, near Boston, Mass. He was one of the most 
distinguished leaders in the settlement of that 
town. He traded with the Indians and assisted in ,j[lj 
making the first i)urchase of land from them, lie M 
was for a time Town Clerk, and was subsoiiuently 
a member of the Colonial Legislature. 

In 16G0 Simon Willard removed to Lancaster, 
and was promoted to the rank of Major, having 
command of the Mass.achusetts force in the Phillip's 
War. He superintended the construction of the 
military defenses in the several towns, .-uid in otlicr 
ways rendered imi)ortant services during that 
period. Ilis first wife was Miss Mary Sharp, ami 
his second. Miss Elizabeth Dunstan, a sister of 
President Dunstan, of Harvard College. His tliird 
marriage was with Miss IMar}- Dunstan, a sister of 
his second wife, and of the three marriages he lie- 
came the father of seventeen children, nine son> 
and eight daughters. His eldest son, Josiah, wa> 

I the ancestor of the Connecticut liranch of tiic fam- 
ily whose descendants settled in ll.irtford, Weath- 
ersfield, Killingworth and Saybrook. Josiah, the 

1 son of Samuel, settled in Saybrook, and was the fa- 
ther of Col. Samuel Willard and Charles. He was 
a lawyer by profession and held the office of Dis- 
trict Attorney of Middlesex Count}'. Tlie Sam- 
uels all died and were buried near each other in tiic 
old burial-ground at .Saybrook where their monu- 
ments are still to be seen. .loseph Willard was 
born in .Saybrook June IG, 1 7.")0. He had two 
brothers, Nathaniel and Samuel, the latter of whom 



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194 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



was taken prisoner by the British in the Revolu- 
tionary War and died on board the old Jersey 
l)rison-shii) in New York Harbor. Joseph mau-ied 
Miss Rachel Reeves, and moved to Fairheld, Herki- 
meo Co., N. Y'., in 1795, where he died in 1832, 
and his wife in 1829. Their family' consisted of 
four sons and four daughters, of whom two sons 
and two dau"hters are still living. 







J. DUNCAN. Deputy United States iVIar- 
shal of the Soutliern District of Iowa, is one 
of the most esteemed residents of Ottumwa, 
respected alike for his business talents and 
his innate worth of character. Jlr. Duncan is a 
native of Missouri, and was born in the little city 
of Linnville on tlie 28th of October, 1847. He is 
the son of Thomas IL P. and Susan (Browner) 
Duncan, both natives of Kentucky, who removed 
across the Mississippi and settled in Missouri at an 
earl}' period in the history of that State. Mr. 
Duueau was engaged in mercantile pursuits for 
many years in Mercer County, Mo., being the first 
merchant to establish trade in that section. His 
store was located on the State line, one half in 
Missouri and the other lialf in Iowa. He was a 
gentleman of great energj' and enterprise, and be- 
came one of the leading business men of Mercer 
Count}'. He was also a slave-holder, and at the 
time of the border war, resulting from the attempt 
to extend slavery into Iowa .and Kansas, he was 
given a certain length of time to get his slaves over 
into Missouri. 

The parental household of our subject included 
six children — three sons and three daughters — of 
whom the record is as follows : William D. is de- 
ceased ; Basil B., at the time of the rebellion in 
Cuba, went into that locality, was commissioned 
m Captain, and when last heard from was in South 
America; H. J. is our subject; Mar}- M. became 
the wife of .1. Wilson, of Des Moines; Nora E. 
married Hugh Week, of Bonaparte. Thomas II. 
P. Duncan departed this life in UsGii. His wife, 
i the mother of our subject, is still living at the old 
I homestead in Mercer County, Mo. 

The subject of this biography received lli^ f;ul\ 



education in the schools of Mt. Pleasant, which was 
limited to an attendance of two terms. His nat- 
ural love of books, however, inclined liiui to em- 
ploy his leisure moments profitably, and his inijuir- 
ing mind resulted in his possessit)n of a fund of 
knowledge superior to that of many who ii;i<l the 
privilege of obtaining a collegiate education, lie 
is thoroughly posted in regard to matters of public % \ 
interest, has a retentive memory, and is remarka- ft:, 
bly interesting to converse with. -'i{ 

The marriage of Mr. Duncan occurred in <»i- i 
tumwa, in December, 1870, the maiden of lii> -- ![ 
choice being Miss Kate Dunnett, of Ohio, and they j a 
became the parents of three children — Hazzic, jn 
Eddie and Harry J., Jr. They are pleasiuitiy io- jj:, 
cated in Ottumwa, and are surrounded by all the 3;^ 
comforts of life. : h 

Mr. Duncan received the appointment of Deputy 3|.;K 
United States Marshal in 1880, and after the 3tj 
resignation of the Marshal he was continued in the J J 
oHice under Edward Campl)ell, Chief Marslial, and ; i 
has fulfilled the duties of his position in a manner ;,h 
reflecting credit upon himself and the good judg- *:\ 
meut of those who secured his appointment. In 3t 
politics he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic ;;;{ 
party, decided in his views, and fearless in the ex- 
pression of those principles which he believes to be 
synouymus witii truth and justice. 




3: 



EWIS COBLER, an old and respected resi- 
dent of Highland Township, in former years 
(jwned an extensive tract of laud and was 
successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. 
He is now retired from active labor, and is spend- 
ing the sunset of life in the comfort and quiet 
which he has justly earned by habits of industry 
and economy. 

Our subject was born in Adams County, Oliio, 3 
ill IHlO, and is the sou of David and Anna (Free 
man) Cobler, natives respectively of Pennsylvania 3^ 
and Maryland. He was reared to farming pur- g=^ 
suits, and in 1.S28 left his native SUite and went to ^'^■ 
iMdiana. where he located on the Wabash River. 
near l.a Fayette, and lived for fifteen years. His 
marriage took place Nov. 7, 1833, the maiden of 






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his choice being Miss Nancy Travis, a native of 
Scioto County, Ohio, who became the mother of 
six chihlren. The record is as follows: Mary Ann 
became the wife of Jacob Gondj', of Nebraska; 
David lives in Wapello Count}'; Kdie who married 
Henry Jliller, and Sarepta. Mrs. Jackson Ilarman, 
live in Pleasant Township; Minerva married Mr. 
James AVork, and they live in the north part of the 
State; Rhoda Jane, Mrs. Thomas Rhiner, lives in 
Dahlonega Township. The mother of the.se chil- 
dren, who was born in .laniiary. ISl,;, died Jan. G, 
1873. 

Mr. Cobler commenced life a poor bo}', and 
earned his first money b}' grubbing stumps at twen- 
ty-five cents per day. He climbed up, liowever, 
step by step, and in due time became the owner of 
48;5 acres of land. He assisted his children to start 
in life, and is a hale, hearty and hapjjy old gentle- 
man, enjoying the esteem of his community and 
taking abundant comfort in the consciousness of a 
well-spent life. 

David Cobler, son of the above-mentioned gen- 
tleman, is pleasantlj' located in Highland Township, 
and is carrj'ing on agriculture and stock-raising in 
an intelligent and successful manner. He makes a 
specialtj- of raising mules, and usuall}' keeps a 
stable of twenty flue specimens, ready for the 
market. His farm consists of 325 acres of valua- 
ble land on section 29, which he has brought to a 
fine state of cultivation. 

David Cobler was born in Tippecanoe County, 
Ind., in 1837, and has been a resident of Wapello 
County since 1842. He received a limited educa- 
tion as the school facilities in the place of his birth 
were few. After arriving at years of manhood he 
was united in marriage in 1861, to Miss Guelma 
Hoover, a native of Indiana, and by whom he be- 
came the father of five children: One died in in- 
fancy; Emma became Mrs. Elvvood Buckner, and 
ilarion lives in Highland Township; Charlie and 
Lewis are at home. The mother of these children 
died in 1872, and the following 3'ear Mr. Cobler 
was married to Miss Sarah Belle Hedriek, of this 
county. Of this marriage there were also born five 
children as follows, all at home: Mar}-, Katie, 
Frederick, Elizabeth and David J. 

.Mr. Cobler and his family occupy a handsome 



farm dwelling (a view of which appears on another 
page), an<l are surrounded by :dl the comforts of 
life. He is the stanch friend of education, is a 
member <»f the .School Board, and the supporter and 
encourager of every measure calculated to pro- 
mote the welfare of his communit)'. 




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■jf^^ ANIJ^L Z0LLAR8, one of tiie pros|)erous 

'I jY and highly respected citizens of Ottumwa, 
ffij^^ has been a resident of Wapello County 
^'^ for over thirty-three years and has fully 
established himself in the respect and confidence 
of his fellow-citizens. In early life he was engaged 
in farming pursuits, and after coming to this count}- 
purchased .'!.'50 acres of land near Eddyville, which 
was mostly unimproved. He there erected a steam 
sawmill, as it was impossible to get lumber to im- 
prove with, and was patronized b}' people living a 
great distance from the mill. He also purchased 
land in the city limits of Ottumwa, which he laid 
off into town lots and sold, the proceeds yielding 
him a handsome profit, while at the same time the 
•property furnished comfortable and economical 
homes to the enterprising meml)ers (jf the rapidly- 
growing commuuitj'. He has laid off four additions 
to the cit}^ of five acres, and three other additions 
of twenty acres each, and he still owns a farm of 
100 acres in Washington Township besides 20(i 
acres near Centerville and a valuable lot front- 
ing the public square in Albia. 

The subject of our sketch was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1808, and is the son of John and Fiances 
(Hahn) ZoUars. When he was four years old his 
parents moved to Harris(m County, Ohio, where 
our subject was reared on a farm and lived until 
he came to Iowa in 18.")4. His parents settled about 
ten miles west of Ottumwa, and he lived with them 
there ten years, engaged in farming pursuits. He 
was a young men of energy and enterprise, as will 
be seen b}' the foregoing histor}-, and in a brief 
time became prominently identified with the busi- 
ness and industrial interests of this section. 

The marriage of Mr. Zollars and Miss ^lary A. 
Druckamiller took place on the 7th of .lune, 1831, 
in Oiiio. Mrs. Z. was a native of Harrison Couutj'. 




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tliiil StaU', :iM(l Ur- daughter of Frederick and Mar- 
garet (Wiiiings) Dnickamiller, both natives of 
Pennsylvania. Of this union there were born 
seven children, only three of whom are now living: 
William died .Ian. 27, 1.S72, at the age of thirty- 
nine years; Elmira is the wife of Isaac Millisack, 
of Ottumwa: Sarah .1. married .lames Steveson, and 
ulied in Kirkville in 1860; Thomas.!., born .July 7, 
l.s.")!), is Mil insurance agent of Denver, Col.: he 
-erved three years as Captain in the 4th Iowa Cav- 
.ihy, being at the siege and capture of Vicksburg, 
:iiid |)articiiiatiug with his regiment in the various 
engagements until the close of the war. He finished 
his education at Wesleyan L'niversity, Jit. Plea,sant, 
Iowa: Malinda died at the age of two jears; jNlar- 
garet became the wife of .Toseph llarman, of Ot- 
tumwa; Emma died at the age of ten years. 

]Mr. ZoUars commenced life a poor boj', at the 
foot of the ladder, and has climbed up to his pres- 
ent position solely by the exercise of his own na- 
tive talents. In early life he was trained to habits 
of industry, and has never considered it a hardship 
or a disgrace to engage in honest labor. He has 
been an inip<irtant factor in the growth and devel- 
opment of this section, and is one of the valued 
members of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Z. are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
politically Mr. Z. votes with the Reimblican |)arty. 

rRANK DUNtiAK, Mayor of the city of 
Ottumwa, is a gentleman of decided ability, 
finely educated, well informed, and accred- 
ited by all as being admirably adapted to the re- 
>ponsiblc position which he occupies. He is a na- 
SJ live of Beaver County, Pa., the date of his birth 
being .July 30, 1«48. His parents were George W. 
Sand Nanc3' (Ferris) Duugan, both natives of Peun- 
ji sylvania. They removed from their native State 
|i to Iowa in Is.'iO, and located in Knoxville, Marion 
i County, where the fatlier of our subject was oc- 
cupied as a miller for the following six years. His 
mill then being destroyed by fire, he removed to 
Chariton, l.ucas County, wliicii remained his home 
until he departed from the scene of liis earthly' la- 
bors. His wife, the mother of our subject, is still 



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living in Ottumwa. The parental household con- 
sisted of six children, five of whom are living, viz. : 
Frank, our subject; Edwin, a grocer of Ottumwa; 
Mary, the wife of Chancey Smith, a native of Buf- 
falo, N. y. : Horace, a locating agent for the Lom- 
bard Investment C.ompan}', and William D., Cashiei- 
of the Lombard Investment Comiiauy. of Sioux 
City, and closely' resembling his father in point "of 
intellect and ability. 

Mayor Dungan was eight years of age when his 
parents came to the llawkeye State. His e.arh- ed- 
ucation was somewliat limited, and at the age of 
thirteen years he entered the store of (J. L. Palmer, 
as clerk, at Chariton, Iowa, with whom he remained 
until he was of suitable age to engage in business 
for himself, when he became a partner of O. L. 
Palmer, with>hom he continued until 1872, and 
then came to Ottumwa. He. then decided to so 
across the plains to California, with the intention 
of making his future home in the (iolden Stiite. 
He w.as not, however, satisfied witli his experience 
on the Pacific coast, and being disajipointed in find- 
ing a desirable location, returned to Iowa and en- 
gaged as a traveling salesman for the firm of Law- 
rence & (iaruer. At the exph-ation of two 3'ears 
he purchased the interest of Mr. G., and the latter 
retiring, the firm became Lawrence & Dungan, who 
continued the business as wholesale dealers in dry- 
goods, boots and shoes. In Julj-, 1883, Mr. D. was 
identified with the organization of Manning, Cush- 
ing & Co., wholesale boot-and-shoe firm, with which 
he was connected for the following two years, and 
closely following upon this, in March, 1886, Mr. 
D. was elected Ma\or of Ottumwa, which position 
he has fflled with great discretion and dignity-. 

The subject of our sketch was united in marriage 
with Miss Nellie Godfrey, in M.ay, 1872. A[rs. D. 
is a daughter of George Godfrey, a native of In- 
diana, and was born in this city in August, 18.54. 
They have become the parents of one child, a 
daughter, Matie. The}- occupy* a handsome resi- 
dence and are surrounded by the comforts and I'e- 
finements of life. 

Mr. D. is connected with the Masonic fr.aternity 
as a member of Empire Lodge No. 269, and also 
belongs to Clinton Chapter No. 12. He is a mem- 
ber of the K. of I'., Wapello Lodge No. 12, of 



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which he has held the position of Treasurer for two 
years. He was a charter nicmber of the Modern 
Woodmen nf America in this locality and holds 
the office of Cirand Consul in this order. Mr. 
Duugan proposes to enter extensively into the man- 
ufacture of the miner's coal drill, a new patent, 
after his term of office as Ma3-or expires in March 
next, kicatiuii- their business in Ottumwa. 



ON. GREGG A. MADLSON, retired from 
an active business career, and passing the 
sunset of life in peace and quiet, in the en- 
joyment of a splendid competenc}', at Ot- 
tumwa, Iowa, was born in Juniata County, Pa., 
Fel). 22, 1818. The parents of our subject, Joseph 
and Agnes (Alzeo) Madison, were born on the 
Emerald Isle, and both natives of County Tyrone, 
whence the}- emigrated to the United States in 
ehildliood. Thej- were married in this countrj', 
and became the parents of eleven children, of whom 
the subject of this notice is the youngest. 

Gregg Madison received but a limited education, 
as there were no free schools in the locality in 
which his parents resided, and the time passed in 
the school-room hardly exceeded a year. He la- 
bored to assist in the maintenance of the family, 
and when seventeen years of age served an appren- 
ticeship of three years to the wagon-making trade 
with Samuel Riddle, of Mifflin, Pa. While follow- 
ing his trade in Huntingdon County. Pa., he made 
the acquaintance of a German scholar, and a teacher 
ill the seiuinaiy at Huntingdon. From this gentle- 
inan Mr. Madison received instruction in his stud- 
ies, and made considerable progress. He subse- 
(juentl}' studied law, and was admitted to the bar 
at Huntingdon in 1848. He now had a profession 
Ijut an empty pocket, and not being able to secure 
clients, or rather to pay board and wait for them, 
he secured a job of rafting timber on the rivers for 
bridges for the Pennsjlvania Central Railroad, 
which was then in process of construction. The 
company formed such a good opinion of our sub- 
ject that when he had finished his contract thej- 
hired him by the nnjnth, pacing him ■i!40, which 
they increased from year to year, and at the expi- 
ration of five years he was the recipient of the 



handsome salary of I3,,500, and was presented by 
the company with $500 in cash besides. 

In 18.56 Mr. Madison came to Iowa, arriving at 
Ottumwa on the first day of July. He had at that 
time about * 10,000 in monej- besides souie real 
estate, and at once erected the first circular steam 
sawmill in this part of the State, locating it in 
Davis County, near the Wapello County line, and 
operated it with signal success for about two years. 
Upon the breaking out of the late Civil War our 
subject raised a goodlj' number of men and accom- 
panied them to Keokuk, where they were divided 
into two companies, and .John M. Hedrick was made 
Captain of Coinpain- K, and Mr. Madison of C'um- 
pany D. The latter was Captain prior to the di- 
vision of the men, but as he had about 170 men 
after the division it was necessary to organize a 
new company. His company was mustered into 
service with the loth regiment, and he served as 
Captain of the same until 186.>, when he resigned 
his commission, because he was not the man to 
tolerate imposition even from a superior officer. 
While in the army he participated in the battles of 
Shiloh, luka and Corinth. His men never smelled 
powder except Capt. Madison was with them and 
inlialed it at the same time. He was a brave sol- 
dier, but, on account of jealousy, other officers 
were jumped over him in rank, and Capt. Madison 
resigned. Returning home from the war our sub- 
ject purchased a steam sawmill, which he operated 
in connection with his farming for a number of 
years, and then, in company with J. G. Baker and 
Tolon Grey, took a contract for the furnishing of 
ties for the C, B. & Q. R. R., and furnished up- 
ward of 300,000 ties for that company. 

In 1880 Capt. Madison went to Texas, where he 
took a contract for the delivery of lumber and ties 
to tlie Texas Pacific Railroad. He was occupied 
in the fulfilling of this contract for about three 
j-^ars, when he returned to Ottumwa, and has since 
resided here. Mr. Madison is at present the owner 
of about 1,600 acres of land in Wapello County, 
about 1,000 acres in Hancock and Cerro Gordo 
Counties, 100 acres in Davis Count}', and about 
.■i,000 acres in Texas. He has rented all of his land 
which is under cultivation. 

Ill politics Capt. Madison is a Democrat. He 



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198 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



represented liis di-itriet in the (ienenil Assembly in 
1875-76, and was also a member of the Senate in 
187«-80. His term expired in the Senate while he 
was in Texas, or he no duubt wonld have been re- 
elected. He was elected Jl.'i^^or of Otturawa in 
1884, and re-elected in 188.'). He was a candidate 
for tlie Senate in 1885, and was defeated by onlj' 
twenty-one votes. 

C'apt. Madison was united in marriage with Miss 
Sarah .1. Livingt(jne in 18(;;3. She was a native of 
Indiana, and has borne our subject three children, 
L' all daughters: Ellen married Anson Headley, tele- 
- graph operator for the ('., U. 1. <k P. R. R. at Keo- 
kuk; ^lary is the wife of Harry Reigg, an engineer 
on the C, B. <k Q. R. R. : Rhoda resides at home. 
Mr. Madison has never connected himself with any 
secret society'. His success in life is due to his 
own good judgment and energetic perseverance. 




GEORGE P. NORRIS, an honored 
nt of the city of Ottumwa, crossed 
ississippi in 1845, and came into Iowa 
while it w^asyet a Territory, thus being entitled to 
rank among the pioneers of the Hawkej-e State. 
3|[ He was born in Comptou, Canada, on the 13th of 
May. 1831, and is the son of Samuel S. Norrls (see 
sketch elsewhere in this book), and when a lad of 
six years old went with his parents from the 
Dominion into the State of New Hampshire, thence 
removing to Bloomiugton. 111., where they re- 
mained for about seven or eight 3'ears, and then 
proceeded farther westward, locating in Ottumwa. 
The early education of our subject was received 
in the common schools, and after completing his 
studies there he attended two terms at Knox 
College, in (Talesburg, 111. Several years later, in 
1852, he started across the plains to .Sacramento, 
Cal. He drove an ox-team, and starting out on 
the 13th of Maj-, arrived at Hangtown, now 
Placerville, on the 15th of October. At this place 
he entered the mines, and the first pan of dirt 
which he washed out contained gold to the value 
^ VriG?,^ of §2.5U. He remained in that vicinity, operating 






•• along Spanish Gulch and Coon Hill for a period of 
six j'ears, then, in 1858, returned to Iowa via the 
Isthmus of Panama and New York. 



In 18(U,Mr. Norris having come westward to 
Iowa, was united in marriage on the 18th of June 
with ]Miss Roxey Murraj\ Mrs. Norris is the 
daughter of George, .Ir., and AVealthy (Landon) 
Murraj', who was born at Clinton, N. Y., Nov. 22. 
1799, and died on the 17th of January, 188(j. Mr.. 
Murray was born Nov. 5, 1800, and departed this 
life in 1851, at Youngstowni, Ohio, where he had 
located in 1836. The parental family of ^Mrs. 
Norris consisted of eight children, live of wlmm 
are living, as follows: Helen became the wife of 
H. S. Doolittle, of Decatur, Ala.; Eliza married 1'.. 
A. Darby, of Meadville, Pa.,' and Gertrude became 
Mrs. Calvin G. Packard, of Missouri \'alley, Iowa; 
Roxey became the wife of our subject, and George 
W. lives in Rochester, N. Y. : he served as a soldier 
in the Union arm}- and was a member of the 47th 
Iowa Infantry, losing both eyes in the service. 

Mr. and Mrs. Norris became the parents of six 
children, as follows: James W., Jr., was born 
April 6, 1862; Mary F., born July 7, 1865, became 
the wife of Edward Loomis, of Ottumwa; Fred- 
erick L. was born June 17, 1867; Nettie W., May 
3, 1870; Helen A., Oct. 7, 1876; Julia R., July 
30, 1880. 

During the progi'ess of the late war Mi-. Norris, 
in April, 1862, enlisted in Co. E, 7th Iowa Vol. 
Cav., which company he assisted iu raising, and 
was commissioned First Lieutenant. He served 
four years, or until the close of the war, and was 
mustered out on the 17th day of May, 1866, at Ft. 
Leavenworth, Kan., after having made a good 
record and receiving decided manifestations of 
approval from his superior oflicers. After the' 
close of his military services jNIr. Norris returned 
to Ottumwa and, on account of his son's health, 
went to Scott County, Minn., and was engaged in 
milling for the following ten years. His son then 
having recovered, he returned to Ottumwa. 

Mr. Norris has been identified with the interests 
of Wapello County fi)r a period of forty-two years, 
and has viewed with pride and pleasure the rapid 
development of its resources and the onward march 
of civilization. He has aided in the best manner 
possible in promoting its educational facilities, and 
has been a stanch friend of temperance, morality 
and good order. He is held in the highest respect 
iu this community for his worth and liberality. 






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A. MYERS, one of the earliest aud most 
rs of Wapello Coun- 
c'tiun 1 5, Washington 
He is a native of Preble Connt}', Ohio, 
In 1830 he moverl 



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iv: II (©I highly respected pioneers 
1 1: -I^V; t}^ will be found on sectii 
lii Township. 

MZ and was born Dec. 2, 1811. 
i§g with his parents to Elkhart County, lud., aud in 
c 1842 visited the Territory of Iowa with a view of 
i; E locatiugr, but did not remain. In December, 1844, 
v^ he again visited Iowa, and purchased a claim of 
-: 320 acres in what is now Washington Township, 
IJ Wapello Count3'. On the Uth day of October, 
|r,j 1833, he married Rachel Beck, born Aug. 14, 1811, 
"i : in Kentucky. To this union there were born eight 
^: children: Morris B., June 24, 1834; Marv E., 
ii| now the wife of C'hilon L. Dickson, born Sept. 8, 
*■ 1839; Eli W., Feb. 24, 1843; Ira A., March 
%i .5, 1845 ; Sarah A., wife of William Clark, born Dec. 
: 25, 1837, died .lune 11, 1867; Christopher A.; 
5 John F. and F. E. died in infancy. Mrs. Myers 
^ died Nov. 27, 1846, and on the 20th of Jan- 
;| uarj', 1848, Mr. Myers married Miss E. M. McNatt, 
born in Roane Count}', Tenn., March 9, 1824, 
moved with her parents to Elkhart Count}', Ind., 
in 1832, and to Wapello Count}', Iowa, iu 1845. 
To this union twelve children . were born : Rachel 
}|| M., now Mrs. Acton, Dec. 29, 1848; Joseph N., 
June 8, 1850; Augusta I., now Mrs. Mauro, May 
12, 1853; George M., July 27, 1859; Luna A., 
now the wife of A. E. Hodgdon, June 16, 1863; 
Iva L., Dec. 10, 1865; Leota E., Oct. 27, 1867; 
Victor A., Aug. 5, 1870; Ellen J., Ida J., Louis A. 

E. W. enlisted in 




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{;| February, 1862, in Co. E. 17th Iowa Vol. Inf., and 
} T: served three vears. 

\]i Mr. Mj'ers h«as been honored by his fellow-citi- 
} 5j zens with about all the township offices. He was 

; ten years Justice of the Peace and four 3'ears a 

: member of the County Board of Supervisors. For 
j:: fiftj' years he has been a consistent member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Politicall}^ he is a 
II ; Democrat. The following is a portion of a very 

J interesting reminiscence written b}^ ]VIr. Mj-ers for 

I one of the local papers : 

• M}' great-grandfather M^ers came from t^er- 



1: 
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,; many before the Revolutionar}' War, and settled 
in Penns3'h'ania, where m}' grandfather IMyers was 
born. When he became a man he went to Nortii 



Carolina and married Miss Fogleman, by whom he 
had two children — George, the elder, .and Chris- 
topher, the younger. My father was born near 
Guilford Court House, N. C, March 8, 1776, just 
ill 3'ears .igo. When he arrived at the age of 
twenty-one he and his brother George left North 
Carolina and went across the mountains to Powell's 
Valle}', Tenn., where he married 013' mother, Eliza- 
beth Nation, who had been raised in South Caro- 
lina. They were married in 1802. They lived in 
Tennessee until 1811, when the3^ moved to Preble 
Count3', Ohio, and stopped five miles east of Eaton, 
where I was born. My father bought 160 acres of 
land iu the northeast corner of the count3', and 
there moved iu the fall of 1812, the year hostilities 
commenced between this countrj' aud Great Brit- 
ain. His cabin stood on the very outskirts of the 
'settlement. He now had seven small children to 
care for, the oldest being but about ten 3'ears of 
age, and that too in a heavily timbered countr}', a 
perfect wilderness. Here the3' had no church or 
school privileges, and were liable to be scalped by 
the Indians, who were then in large numbers in 
Ohio. Great Britain had hired these Indians to 
scalp the defenseless settlers, pa3'ing them a bounty 
on each white scalp, just as we now pa3' for a wolf 
scalp. As m3' parents were there the only chance 
was to go to work and clear up land and raise 
grain and flax, the one for food and the other for 
clothing. M3' mother at that time spun and wove 
linen and tow cloth for clothing for the entire fa)u- 
Ll3', and through all these trials and hardships was 
kept b3' a kind Providence. I will relate one or 
two incidents that took jjlace during the War of 
1812, as the3' were told me by m3' father aud 
mother in after years. In 1813, during harvest 
time, when the men of the neighborhood were help- 
ing one of their number to reap his grain, the In- 
dians drove the horses of one of my father's neigh- 
bors into his own stable, caught them, took them 
off about one mile and shot them. The colts 
would not follow their mothers, and their mothers 
kept up such a neighing for them that the In- 
dians became frightened, and for that cause shot 
them. That same night the Indians came back and 
stole all the horses m3' father had, and as the3^ took 
them awa}' the next da}' they met a man b3' the 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



name of Stoner and shot him. . After going a few 
miles further the^- met a soldier by the name of 
Elliott, who was returning home on a furlough 
from Ft. Greenville. The Indians shot this soldier 
through the wrist, and then had a regular hand-to- 
hand fight with him with their tomahawks, around 
a beech-tree, and fin.allj' succeeded in killing him. 
It was thought there were three or four of the 
Indians and one white man in the company, and 
the soldier killed all of them but one. I have often 
seen this beech-tree with the marks of the toma- 
hawks made in the fight. In the spring of 1830 
ilbfal[ my father sold out, and in the fall of the same 
ij M year moved to Elkhart County, Ind., which was 
'^ - then a new country. The Indians were quite num- 
erous there, but peaceably inclined. I lived with 
m^' parents until the fall of 1 833, when 1 married 
and settled on Elkhart Plains and made a farm. In 
the spring of 1846 I sold out, and started for 
hj ',hf Wapello Couut3% Iowa, where I lauded on the 9th 
^ }i] uf September, and settled on the farm where I now 
live, about two miles north of Eldon. In Novem- 
ber of that year my wife died, leaving me with 
five small children, in a strange land. The friends 
and neighbors were very kind to me in m}' afflic- 
tion. I went to work, made rails, hauled them, and 
fenced my farm, and have now 250 acres under 
fence." 

In 18.")1 Mr. Myers erected a brick dwelling, at 
a cost of $1,800, and in 18(J1 built his large barn 
hi hi at a cost of §2,200. He has now one of the best 
}lj JhJ improved fai ms in Wapello County, and is sur- 
^^j rounded by all the comforts of life. A view of 



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[ill his home is presented in this volume. For over 

forty years he has lived in this community, indeed 

tlie coniniunitj^ has grown up around him. As a 

venerable patriarch, and one who has done much 

hard work and given much valuable aid to the 

3 county and the molding of the character of 

;i the people, his memory should be cherished 
■ \ 
1 and preserved. It will live in the minds of 

I those who know him personally as long as the}' 
live, but the generations to come will know nothing 
q of his labors, his trials, and good works, unless 

i) some means are taken to hand down to them a 
record of his life. This brief sketch and the .ac- 
ijBPt. companying portrait will therefore serve as a 







means to perpetuate his memory. As a fitting 
companion picture we also give that of his estima- 
ble wife. 










ENNET S. SHAUG, M. D., a popular and S 
successful physician of Eldon Village, is a H tv 
gentleman skilled in his profession, an ex- 5 K 
tensive reader, generally' well informed, and S. 
possessed of a varied and valuable experience dur- E'ji 
ing the changes of a long and Ijus}' life. He is a §|: 1 
native of Mason Countj', Va., and was born July 5 1 
22, 1826, his parents being Dr. AVilliam Henrj' and Si 
Hannah (Sherwood) .Shaug, natives respectively of ; r i 



Pennsylvania and Connecticut, the father born in ff 

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1792, the mother in 1801. Our subject received SJ^i 
careful parental training, and during his b<)3^hood 5 
days attended the common schools. After attain- pj 
ing manhood he left the parental roof, and going Si 
to Cincinnati, Ohio, secured employment in a drus- "'^i 
store for about six months, and then took a place S? ' 
as cabin-boy on a steamer of the Mississippi River, Jt 
where he continued four months, and then crossing s;} 
the Father of Waters, came into Iowa, stopping at ![:} 
Montrose for a short time and then, returning east- ? J 
ward, passed through Galena, 111., to Farmington, a^l} 
remaining in the latter place until the 19th of b|:J 
April, 1847. He attended school here for a time, ; J 
and at the opening of the Mexican War enlisted as Sj 
a soldier under Col. Morgan, of Ohio, in Company 3[ 
K, loth Regiment. He went with his regiment to 3^} 
New Orleans, whence they proceeded to "N'era ari 
Cruz, where they were soon engaged in battle. 



Our suliject was soon afterward detailed as Hos- 
pital Steward at Castle Perote, and afterward went 3; 
to the city of Mexico, where, after remaining three 3uJ 
months, his regiment was ordered to Kerne \'aca, 3h 



remained there until peace was declared, our sub- 
ject flnallj' receiving his discharge at Covington, 
Ky., Aug. 4, 1848. He then returned to Farming- 
ton, Iowa, and commenced the study of medicine. 
He then came into WapeUo County, and continued 
his studies under the instruction of Dr. C. W. 
Shaug, of Agency City, and after completing his 5:n 
studies commenced the practice of his profession in ^ n, 
Cor^don, Wayne Co., Iowa, where he remained 5;ij 
. . , .^ K&i 

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until the fall of 1853, when he went to Keokuk and 
attended the Medical College. He then returned 
to Ageucj' City, and from there \yent into Webster 
County, practicing at Homer until 1«.58. Thence 
he went to Mt. Sterling, Van Bureu Count}', where 
he remained two years, and was ver}' successful. 
From there he went to Adair County, Mo., and 
practiced until the spring of 1 SCI, and thence re- 
turned to Farmingtou, where he was located until 
Februar3% 1864. The Civil War being then in 
progi-ess, he enlisted as a private in Co. B, 3d Iowa 
Vol. Cav., .and marched toward the southeast with 
his regiment. At Memphis, Tenn., he was promo- 
ted Assistant Surgeon of his regiment, which posi- 
tion he held until the battle of Little Rock, Ark., 
in the fall of 18G4, when he w.as made Assistant 
Surgeon of his camp at that place, and was trans- 
ferred to the position of Hospital Steward, and 
served in this capacity until the close of the war, 
when he was mustered out at Atlanta, Ga., on the 
9th of August, 18G.5. and received his discharge at 
Camp McClellan, Iowa. 

After his return from the arm}' Dr. Shaug re- 
sumed his practice at Farmingtou until 1881. He 
then purchased a stock of groceries, and opened up 
a store at Winchester, Iowa, and continued in 
trade until 1883, when he came to Eldon, which has 
been his home since that time. Dr. Shaug was mar- 
ried in August, 1852, to Sliss May J. Myers, of 
Elkhart County, Ind. Of this union there have 
been born nine children, two living: La Fayette, 
a cigar-maker, now in Dallas, Tex., and Leonidas, 
who is with his parents in Eldon. 



'\i] SRAEL ZENTZ, a farmer and stock-grower on 
I section 9, Richland Township, was born in 
Jl Blair County, Pa., April 8, 181G, and is the son 
of Jacob and Elizabeth Zentz, who both died in 
Blair County before Israel was old enough to have 
any recollection of them. On the death of his par- 
ents he was taken and reared by his Grandmother 
Zentz, with whom he lived until he was about 
eighteen years old, when she died in Washington 
County, Pa. In 1843 Mr. Zentz was united in 
marriage with Jane Greenlee, born April 1, 1815, 



daughter of John Greenlee, of AVashington 
Count}', Pa. Five children were born of this 
union: Ebenezer (deceased), .John G., Elizabeth, 
Finley H. and Leander, the latter also deceased. 
Mrs. Zentz died in Wapello County, Feb. 16, 1874. 
Mr. Zentz subsequently married Catherine Ruffcorti, 
widow of Cyrus Ruffcorn ; her maiden name was 
Davidson. 

In 18.51 Mr. Zentz moved from Pennsylvania to 
Champaign County, Ohio, where he remained until 
1857, and then removed to Wapello County, where 
he has since continued to reside. He is the owner 
of 160 acres of fine land, all of which is under im- 
provement. At present he makes a specialty of 
breeding gi'aded Short-horn cattle, and it is said, 
has the best Clydesdale and Norman horses in the 
township. He has also three brood mares and a 
large number of Poland-China hogs. It will thus 
be seen that he believes in having the best stock, 
and that it is far more profitable. Everything 
about his farm' is kept in the best of order. He is 
certainly a No. 1 farmer. ISIr. and Mrs. Zentz are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically 
he is a Republican. 




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'iylACOB SEDORE, a prominent farmer and 
stock-grower of Keokuk Township, has been' 
a resident of the Ilawkeye State since 1846, 
and has materially assisted in the develop- 
ment of this section of Wapello County. He is a 
native of the populous and wealthy State of Ohio, 
was born March 24, 1841, and received his early 
impressions in life among the hills of the Buckeye 
State. 

The first purchase of Mr. Sedore in the Hawkeye 
State was a claim of sixty-six acres in Wapello 
County. He possessed the true pioneer spirit 
which enabled him to overcome tlie difficulties en- 
countered in the settlement of a new country, and 
was prospered in his labors. As time passed on he 
added to his first purchase until he became the 
owner of 525 acres, which included some of the best 
land in this county. 

The subject of our sketch was one of a family of 
fourteen children. Of that number only four sur- 



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204 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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vive, and the record is as follows: Arm is the 
widow of Euoeh Kassbeere, and is living in Mon- 
tana; Harry is occupied in farming in this countj-, 
as is also his brother John ; the remaining child is 
the subject of our sketch. The father died in 
about 1870, aged seventy-two years, and the 
mother eight 3'ears later, being at the age of her 
husband when he died. They were most excellent 
and worthy people, devoted members of the Chris- 
tian Church, and carried out in their daily lives 
and conversation the principles which the}' pro- 
fessed. The elder Sedore always took an active 
part in educaticmal and religious matters, and ex- 
ercised an excellent influence over those with whom 
he associated. At his request he and his aged part- 
ner were buried side by side on the home farm. 

The earl}' education of our subject was quite 
limited, there being no school advantages within 
four miles of his earlj- home, but he received care- 
ful training from his parents, and being naturall}' 
of an intelligent and inquiring mind, kept his eyes 
wide open to what was going on in the world 
around him, and thus obtained a useful fund of in- 
formation in regard to matters of general interest. 
He has all his life been engaged in farming pur- 
suits, and his pleasant homestead, acquired through 
his own industr}' and enterprise, comprises 260 
acres of land, with a good frame dwelling and all 
necessary out-buildings for the shelter of stock and 
the storage of grain, a view of which we present in 
this volume. 

Mr. Sedore was united in marriage with Miss Ke- 
becca Richardson, in Wapello County, in 1863. 
Mrs. S. is the daughter of Era and Eva (Grant) 
Richardson, natives of Ohio. Of this union there 
were born the following children : Frances A., the 
wife of E. A. McGar}', a farmer of Wajjello 
Count}' ; Celia died in infancy ; Melvina and Eva 
are at home with their parents ; John E. is also at 
home and attending the district schools. The 
affectionate wife and mother departed this life 
about the year 1.S74, and Mr. S. was the second 
time married, to Miss Racliel E. Bailey. She is the 
daughter of Thomas and Margaret P. (Thompson) 
Bailey, natives of Ohio. Of this marriage there 
have been born four children — Aaron, Laura, 
Charles and Clara. 



pfJj 



The farm residence is pleasantly located, con- 
venient and comfortable, and its inmates are en- 
joying the good things of this life. Politically Mr. 
Sedore is a liberal Democrat, and possesses those 
stanch and substantial qualities which descended to 
him from an excellent line of the German and 
French ancestry. 

-^ #3.^ ^ 

^^^DMOND 8. WYATT, a prosperous and 
l^ highly respected farmer of Green Township, 
i^^^ has been a resident of this section most of 
the time since the spring of 185.J. He is the owner 
of 297 acres of tillable land, mostly improved, 
and under a good state of cultivation. He com- 
menced life at the foot of the ladder, without a 
dollar in his pocket, and his possessions are the re- 
sult of his own industry, acquired through years of 
labor and economy. In addition to other draw- 
backs, he had not even any education to assist him 
in his struggle for a livelihood, but learned to read 
and write after his marriage. 

Ml'. Wyatt is a native of Owen Couuty, Ind., 
born in 1834. He is a son of Jacob and Sallie 
(Heyniilds) Wyatt, natives respectively of Ran- 
dolph County, Va.. and Montgomery County, N. 
C, who removed to Indiana shortly after their 
marriage and were among the early settlers of that 
region. The father is still living and a resident of 
Llano County, Tex., engaged in farming. The wife 
and mother departed this life in 1859, at the age 
of forty-eight years. 

At the age of twenty-one years the subject of 
our sketch left the parental roof and, crossing the 
Mississippi, came into Wapello County and settled 
in Green Township, arriving here in April, 185.5. 
He purchased forty acres of land on section 22, 
and the following year sold it for the purpose of 
going to Allen County, Kan. He remained in 
Kansas, however, only six months, thep, returning 
to this county, purchased back the forty acres which 
he had owned before. This he settled upon, and 
it has constituted his homestead since that time, 
although he has spent some time in traveling about. 
In 1864 he went overland to Colorado, and for 
about eleven months during the war was engaged 



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in hauling provisions for tiie Government troops. 
For a period of four years, from 1871 to 1875, he 
carried on a general store at Ormanville. At the 
same time he retained his farm propertj-, and in 
the different departments of business in which he 
was engaged was uniformly successful. 

Mr. Wyatt was married, March 10, 18,')S, to Miss 
Zilpah Davis, of Clay County, Iowa, daughter of 
Willoughby and Polly (Ormand) Davis, natives of 
Tennessee. Of this marriage there have been born 
four children, two sons and twoclaughters, the rec- 
ord of whom is as follows : Mary Ann, born Nov. 
17, 18.58, is the wife of Dr. Torrence, of Orman- 
ville; Aaron Noyes, born Aug. 12, 1859, is con- 
nected witli a ruffler manufactory in Ottumwa; Wil- 
loughby, born Aug. 14, 1861, is at home with his 
parents; S.allie, born March 14, 1864, is the wife of 
John Phillips, of Green Township. 

Mr. Wyatt is liberal in politics, and has an intel- 
ligent interest in the affairs of his count}' and town- 
ship. He has been a School Director, and is a gen- 
tleman whose opinion upon matters of general in- 
terest is highlj' valued. He and his family are 
comfortably situated in life and enjoy the respect 
and confidence of the people of this locality. 



bG. TURNER, a highlj' respected citizen of 
Eldon, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 
1841, and tlie son of Gideon and Annie 
(Wixson) Turner, both natives of New York. 
They remained in Agency City during the later 
part of their lifetime, the father resting from his 
earthly labors in 1858, and the mother in 1852, at 
their home in Agency City. Our subject was an 
e.arlv pioneer of the HawliC3'e State, coming to this 
section the second year after the admission of Iowa 
into the Union as a State. He settled at Agency 
City, and engaged in farming pursuits for the fol- 
lowing twelve years and until near the opening of the 
late Civil War. Soon after the first call for troops 
to aid in the preservation of the Union, Mr. Turner 
proffered his services by enlisting in the 7th Iowa 
Cavalry. He was, however, unable to endure for 
very long the hardships and privations of a soldier's 
life, and after a severe illness and confinement in 



the hospital, he received his discharge on account 
of disability. He then returned to his farm, upon 
which he remained until 1870, and then coming to 
Eldon, engaged as clerk in a store. 

Soon after the close of the war, in 1867, Mr. 
Turner was united in marriage with Miss C. M. 
Cross, a native of the Hawkeye State, and daughter 
of W. II. and M. L. Cross, natives of New York 
and Ohio. Of this union there were born three 
children: Nellie, who is at home with her parents; 
Fred W. and Lawrence E., who died in 1875, in 
early childhood. Mr. Turner is a Republican in 
politics, and belongs to the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. 




J. THOMPSON has been a resident of Wa- 
pello County since 1853, and now occupies 
a comfortable homestead in Highland Town- 
ship, on section 1 7. After coming into Iowa he 
first settled at Dahlonega, and was engaged alter- 
nately as a farm laborer and in a steam sawmill. 
He settled upon his present homestead in the fall 
of 1854, and has brought about great improve- 
ments in its condition since he first took possession 
of it. He is now the owner of 130 acres of good 
land, and being a straightforward business man, 
honest and upright in his transactions, has met with 
success and secured the confidence and esteem of 
his fellow-citizens. 

The subject of our sketch was born Jul}' 24, 
1832, in Macoupin County, 111., and is the son of 
.John and Hannah (Landreth) Thompson, natives of 
^"irginia. He was reared to farming pursuits, but 
at the age of forty-nine years learned engineering, 
and also served a short apprenticeship as clerk in 
a store of general merchandise at Franklin, 111. 
He received a common-school education, and made 
the most of his opportunities. The father of our 
subject was born in 1801, and removed to Illinois 
in 1828, where he died at the age of sixty-two 
years, in 18G3; the mother had closed her eyes on 
the scenes of earth in 1842. Their family included 
ten children, of whom our subject was the sixth in 
order of birth. 

The marriage of Mr. Thompson and Miss Nancy 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Ketteman of Indiana took place in 1853. The par- 
ents of Mrs. T. were ElL-is and Lydia (Redman) 
Ketteman, natives of Illinois. To our subject and 
wife were born seven children, four girls and three 
boys, as follows : Sarah .\nu became the wife of 
John Shutelfield, of this township; Arthur is living 
in Cass Count}' ; Ida Belle married William Scott, 
of the same count}'; Elias, Clara, Emma and Le 
Koy are at home. Mr. and Mrs. T. are members of 
the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. T. is Repub- 
lican in politics, and has held the office of Justice 
of the Peace. He is engaged in general farming, 
and possesses all the appliances for the carrying on 
of agriculture in a tirst-class manner. 



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i] (p^ILAS WARRI 
- ^^^ merchants of 
(IL/)J) native iif this 



ILAS WARREN, one of the well-to-do 
the citj' of Chillicothe, is a 
s county, and was burn Feb. 2, 
s.'ii). He is the son of Tillman and Eliza- 
jj3Sj]' beth (Nye) Wiirren, the father a native of Ohio 
I m and the mother of Germany. The latter came to 
^j;^ the United States when a young girl of thirteen 
years old, landing with her parents in New York 
C'itj', whence thej- proceeded to White Count}', 
hiPliii t)hio, where, in due time, the father of our subject 
W !^' made her acquaintance, and thej' were married on 
II the 21st of Septemlier, 1.S37. Tillman Warren at 
once engaged in farming in Pike Count}', Ohio, 
= until 1844, and then decided to seek his fortunes 
H beyond the Mississippi. Coming to this county 
j[ipEJ|i he purchased ninety-three acres of unimproved 
"■ t|ji land, upon which he located, and at once began its 
cultivation. He was prospered in his undertakings, 
but only lived to labor for his family until 1855, 
when he was taken from the family who had ever 
regarded him with the highest respect and affection. 
The mother of our subject is still living. In 
arlier years she united with the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church with her luisband, and was his faithful 
■helper in the useful projects which he set on foot 
for the good of his church and community. Their 
)usehold included eight children, as follows: 
Mary J., the eldest, died in infancy; Richard L. 
nlisted as a soldier of the Union during the late 
^var, in the 3Gth Iowa Infantry, and died in the 






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hospital, at Helena, Ai'k. ; William is clerk in a 
store at Eldon ; Rhoda became the wife of A. W. 
Clark, a farmer of Cass Township; John A. is farm- 
ing in Polk Township; our suliject, Silas, was the 
next in order of birth; Catharine married Albert 
Conwell, a highly respected farmer of Cass Town- 
ship; George L. was born on the 5th of January, 
1855, and is a butcher by trade. The living chil- 
dren of this family are ail comfortably settled in 
good homes, and are useful members of the com- 
munity. 

Silas Warren, of this history, is essentially a self- 
made man. He commenced life a poor boy, and is 
a striking illustration of what may be accomplished 
by resolution, industry and perseverance. He was 
but five years of age when the father of the family 
was taken awa}', and as soon as old enough he as- 
sisted in the labors around the homestead. His ed- 
ucation was necessarily limited, but he was a bright 
and intelligent lad, and kept his eyes open to wliat 
was going on in the worlil around him. He thus 
became possessed of a good fund of general in- 
formation, and now ranks among the intelligent 
and useful men of his community. He was en- 
gaged in farming pursuits until 1877, and then 
learned the butcher's trade, wliich he followed for 
nine years with gratifying success. He then sold 
out his interest in this business, and removing to 
Chillicothe purchased a stock of general merchan- 
dise, and has been in trade since that time. He 
carries a stock of about -i^Ci.OOO, and his trade is 
prosperous and constantly increasing. He seems 
admirably adapted to the business, is courteous and 
obliging in his manners, and has taken the lead 
among the mercantile interests of this city. Mr. 
Warren has been prominent in the affairs of Co- 
lumbia Township since his first arrival here. After 
occupying several of the minor offices, in the fall 
of 1886 he was elected Justice of the Peace on the 
Democratic ticket by a large majority, but moved 
out of the precinct, and consequently did not 
qualify. 

The marriage of Silas Warren and Miss Fannie 
A. Forsythe was celebrated in Highland Townsliip 
on the 4th of May, 1882. Mrs. Warren was born 
in Wapello County on the 3d of October, 1854, 
ami is the daughter of James and Sarah (I'erry) 



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AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



207 



Forsythe, natives of Ireland, who came to this 
country in 1845, locating near Elizabethtown, Pa., 
coming- to Wapello Coiintj' in 1851, where they be- 
came highl3' respected citizens, but are now both 
deceased. Mr. and INIrs. Warren became the par- 
ents of two children — Dora E. and James Tillman. 
The latter died when eleven days old. Mrs. War- 
ren is connected with the Presbyterian Church. 
Our subject has been a liberal contributor to the 
church and .Sundaj'-school, and is the stanch friend 
of education and all other measures calculated for 
the advancement and welfare of the conmiunitj'. 
He is Democratic in politics, a thorough-going 
business man, a valued member of society, and in 
all respects is entitled to rank among the best citi- 
zens of Chillicothe. 



^■^- 




«xM.: 



Z. >SCOTT, of Highland Township, has been 
a resident of Iowa since 18G3, when he 
settled in Mahaska County. After living 
there three years he removed to Keokuk 
County, and two years later came to Wapello, mak- 
ing his location on section G, which has since re- 
mained his home. He is the owner of 104 acres of 
choice land, in a good state of cultivation, and is 
held in high esteem by his neighbors and associates 
for his straightforward business methods and his 
upright life and character. 

JSIr. Scott was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, 
in 1826, and is the son of Charles and Susan (Mc- 
CuUa) Scott, his father a native of Ireland, and 
his mother of West Virginia. The former pur- 
sued the occupation of a farmer and miller. The 
parental household included fifteen children, eight 
of whom are living: Annis P. is the widow of 
Francis Patterson, of Qambridge, Ohio; David is 
farming in Keokuk County; George M. is a minis- 
ter of the Methodist Protestant Church, and sta- 
tioned at Oskaloosa; Charles is farming in Davis 
County, and Ross in Guernsey County, Ohio; A. 
Z., our subject, was the eighth in order of birth; 
John A. died in 1849 at Nevada City, Cal.; Wil- 
son, of Cambridge, Ohio, has been route agent of 
the B. & O. R. R. for the past ten years; Sarah J. 
married George Brown, a merchant of Limavillc, 



Ohio; Susan became the wife of Archie Shipley, 
express agent at Columbus, Ohio; three Ijrothers 
died in the army. 

The subject of our sl<;etch was married on the 
1st of Januar3', 1847, to Miss Margaret J., the 
daughter of Zebedee and Mar3' Ann (Slaughter) 
Kendall, of Ohio, and they have become the par- 
ents of eleven children, as follows: E. P., born 
Nov. 24, 1847, is a resident of Keokuk County; S. 
C, born Feb. 19, 1849, is farming in Adams 
Count}'; C. A., born Oct. 19, 1850, is also a resi- 
dent of Adams County; T. M., born June 17, 
1852, is in Cass County; Zebedee, born March 24, 
1854, is living in Jewell County, Kan. ; Nevada E., 
born June 1, 1855, died the following year; Zane, 
born March 3, 1857, died in l.SS!); A., born Feb. 
14, 1859, became the wife of Andrew Chapman, of 
Cass County, Iowa; Annace, a twin of the former, 
married B. F. Ilarkins, of Jewell Count}', Kan. ; 
Josiah, born Oct. 18, 1860, died in 1863; William, 
born Aug. 3, 1863, is living in Cass Count}'; Su- 
san i\I., ])orn Feb. 25, 1866, was united in marriage 
with Marion Sammons, of Union County, Iowa; 
Grant, born July 15, 1867, is at home, as is also 
Margaret Jane, who was born Oct. 25, 1871. Mr. 
and Mrs. Scott are members in good standing of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics 
Mr. Scott is a stanch Republican. Tlie father of 
Mr. Scott M'as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. 




»-^t^-^>*^^ 




<tf5tS»<^ftf-k 



iHOMAS SWORD, of Ottumwa, occupying a 
position as Superintendent of the John Mor- 
rell & Co. Packing House, of this city, comes 
of good old Scotch ancestry, and was born among 
the hills of Roxburghshire, Scotland, on the 13th 
day of February, 1850. He is the only child of 
Thomas and Sarah (Bell) Sword. His father de- 
parted this life while onr subject was yet quite an 
infant, and the latter thereafter made his home 
with an uncle, John Sword, by whom he was reared 
as a child of the family. He received his educa- 
tion in the district schools, and at the age of six- 
teen years left his native land and came to the 
United States. After landing he spent a short time 
on Long Island, and then went to London, Canada, 




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where he started to learn the trade of carriage- 
making, but disliking the business, finalh' aband- 
oned it.* He was then emijloyed b3' the firm of 
John MorrcU & Co., and went with them, finall}', to 
Chicago, 111. ; he came to Ottumwa in 1877. He 
has passed all the grades incident to his calling, 
having been foreman of the engineering department 
previous to his promotion to his present office. He 
now has charge of the entire establishment, and is 
performing the duties of his position with credit to 
himself and satisfaction to all concerned. 

Mr. Sword was married, in London, Canada, on 
the 3d of April, 1877, to Miss Helen McKechnie, a 
native of the Dominion, and born Nov. 24, I80I. 
Of this union there have been born three children- — 
Eva Bell, Thomas L. and Jessie Helen. Thej- oc- 
cupy a pleasant home on Thirt3'-second street, are 
highly respected bj' a large circle of friends and ac- 
quaintances, and in their home life are surrounded 
by all the luxuries of refined and cultivated tastes. 

Mr. Sword is still a young man, possessing an in- 
telligent mind, and is keenly observant of what is 
going on around him. He is well posted in local 
and general matters, and in politics is Democratic. 
He came to this county a poor boy, but by the ex- 
ercise of industrj' and energy has raised himself to 
a good position as a man among men, and is now 
one of the most valued citizens of Ottumwa. Mr. 
and Mrs. S. are prominentl_v connected with the 
Presbyterian Church. 



-■-**^^^ 



yj ' \[\ ^-/^ C. TAYLOR, a farmer and stock-grower on 
section 13, Richland Township, is a native 

of ^Vashi^gton County, Iowa, born Jan. 21, 

1859, and is a son of Tliomas and Sarah (Lencher) 
\ \ Taylor, the former a native of Marj'land, and the 
flatter of Kentui'ky. By trade his father was a 
n blacksmith, and followed tliat occupation for many 
II years, at times in connection with farming. In 
1846 he moved from Cincinnati. Ohio, to Illinois, 
where he remained until 18,j(), and then went to 
g Washington County, thence coming to Wapello 
County; he is now living a retired life. His wife, 
the mother of our subject, died Aug. 2s, 187',). 
T. C. Taylor and Emma llayden, daughter uf 



Samuel and Fanny (Fors3'the) Hayden, were united 
in marriage in 1.S79. ^Mrs. Taylor was born in 
Missouri, Aug. 20, 1862, and of her marriage with 
our subject two children have been born — H.arlan 
and Charles. Mr, and Jlrs. Taj-lor are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politicallj' he 
is Republican. 

^W! W. VANNOY. Among the leading farm - 
ers of Competine Township is the gentle- 
man whose name heads this brief personal 
history. He resides on section 12, .and is 
highlj- respected for his excellent character. Our 
subject was born Sept. 6, 1817, in Wilkes County, 
N. C, and is the son of Jesse Vannoj', a gentleman 
of French descent, and Mar3- (Kilby) \'annoy, who 
w.as of German aucestrj'. His father being a dis- 
tiller, the sou learned that business. At this occu- 
pation, together with that of farming, he labored 
until he was twentj'-three years of age, when he 
bought a farm, which he operated until 1.S69. At 
that time he sold out and came West, starting on 
the lOth of April, with wagon .and team, and trav- 
eling about seventy-five miles to the depot. They 
took the train at Johnson's depot, Tenn., securing 
tickets for Nashville, thence down the Cumberland 
River to Cairo, and then to St. Louis, when he de- 
cided to come to Ottuma, having a sister living in 
W.apello CVnint}'. lie therefore proceeded on his 
western journej', lauding in that citj- April 18, 1869. 

Mr. Vanno}", while living in North Carolina, 
united with the church, and in 18.51 commenced 
preaching the Gospel of Christ, and his great use- 
fulness as a citizen of this community h.as been en- 
hanced by his noble profession and the devotion he 
has ever disjilayed in behalf of both church and 
humauitv. He has been a great Bible student and 
takes delight in turning its pages. Ileandhisfam- 
113- are all members t)f the Missionary Baptist 
Church, and in 1870 he had charge of the Pleasant 
View Church. 

(_)ur subject was united in marri.age, Ajsril 2<S, 
l.'S42, with Miss Aley Eller. To them have been 
born sixteen children, nine sons and seven daugh- 
ters; t\)ur of tile latter are now liviu"': Anderson 



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11^"^ HH P.rir' r?.!^ ri.ij 




WAPELLO COUNTY. 



211 



M. was bora May 13, 1844; May A., Feb. 7, 1846; 
Sarah C, June 12. 184'8; Nancy E., Jan. 18, 1850; 
George H., Nov. 13, 1851 ; Elza F., Jan. 11, 1856; 
Nancy Eveline, Aug. 22, 1857; Julia E., Maj" 3, 
1860; Frankie M., May 1, 1865; AUie C, Sept. 
22, 1867; Jessie A., June 12, 1869; Nancy Eve- 
line, Nancv E. and John F. are deceased. 




ha 



B. PHELPS, a proniiueut and successful 
farmer of Competiue Township, owns and 
occupies a fine homestead on section 29. 
{^ He is a native of Gallia, Ohio, and was 

born Aug. 27, 1839. He is the son of B. B. and 
Jane Phelps, natives of Ohio, and the parents of 
ten sons and six daughters. The father departed 
this life Jan. 5. 1875, and the mother Dec. 27, 1871. 
The record of their famih* is as follows : John, a 
native of Ohio, now lives in Franlvlin County, 
Iowa; James H. was the second son, and lives in 
Hedrick, Iowa; Martha J. died Jan. 5, 1873; A. 
B., our subject, was the next in order of birth; 
Abigail B. was the second daughter; Josiah is the 
Sheriff of Franklin County ; Sallie A. is a resident 
of Osborne Conntj", Kan. ; Benjamin F. died Jan. 5, 
1852; the next in order of birth was a son, who 
died Jan. 27, 1847; Alonzo died Jan. 24, 1848; 
Harriet E. died Jan. 23, 1853, and was buried in 
Smith Cemetery, Jefferson County; S. V. lives in 
Clay County, Neb. ; W. R. was a school teacher ; 
Mary lives in Hedrick; Leonidas M. is a resident 
of Clay County, Neb. ; Leora L. became the wife of 
H. McCormick, a farmer of Highland Township. 

The parents removed from Ohio to Iowa in 
1852, arriving here on the 13th of October. Their 
son, our subject, remained with them until the 
breaking out of the late war, when he enlisted as a 
soldier in Co. I, 1st Iowa Vol. Cav., serving four 
years and seven months. His regiment first went 
into camp at Burlington, and from there proceeded 
to Benton Barracks, 5Io., and tlience to Tipton, en- 
gaging in their first battle at Blackwater, where 
they captured 1 ,300 prisoners and six wagon-loads 
of arms. They drove the rebel General. Hindnian, 
out of Missouri, and retired to Wilson Creek battle- 
ground on a forced march of 100 miles, and, after- 
ward encountering tiie same General and his forces, 
routed them with half the number of troops which 



composed that detachment of the rebels. On the 
3d of January, 1863, the}' again made a forced 
march of 100 miles, captured Ft. Smith, Ark., and 
returning in April joined the command of Gen. 
Davidson and proceeded to Little Rock, Ark., tak- 
ing possession of that place in September. C)n tiie 
1st of January', of the following year, under com- 
mand of Gen. Steele, tliej' marched on Camden, 
and thereafter proceeded through Arkansas to join 
the command of Gen. Banks. On the I'Jth of 
April thej' started nitli a forage train of eight}'- 
two wagons, and on the waj- the entire outfit was 
captured excepting one mule. Air. Phelps got 
back to camp by wading through swamps, and 
reached his command at Camden, from which place 
they started for Prairie Bluff with another train, 
which was captured at Marks' Mill with the 3Gth 
Iowa and 43d Indiana, with 400 veterans. These 
latter finally' turned and drove the rebels back, 
with heavy loss on the side of the latter and with- 
out the loss of a man by the Union troops. At 
Camden they found Gen. Steele on the retreat. 
The regiment was put to the front, marching 200 
miles, which they accomplished in five days. Our 
subject then came home on veteran furlough. The 
following montli he returned to St. Louis, follow- 
ing the soldiers which had been engaged under 
Price's raid through Missouri, and returning to St. 
Louis in November following. From that place 
our subject with his comrades were again ordei'ed 
to Little Rock, Ark., thence e.ast across the Missis- 
sippi into Tennessee, proceeding directlj^ to Mem- 
phis, and from there southwest again into Alexan- 
dria, La., where they joined the command of Gen. 
Custer and with him proceeded to Austin, Tex. 
Thejr remained there until Februarj', 1866, when 
they were mustered out and crossed the Gulf of 
Mexico to New Orleans, where our subject bade 
farewell to man}' of his comrades and proceeded to 
Davenport, Iowa. He received his final and hon- 
orable discharge on the 15th of March, having 
served a period of four 3'ears, seven months and 
sixteen days, and without missing a roll-call or be- 
ing put upon extra dut}'. He participated in 
thirty-three engagements, and escaped without a 
wound. 

The day of his discharge Mr. Phelps returned 



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WAPELLO COUKTV. 



home, and on the 1 Sth of October, 1866, was united 
in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Dickens, of Coin- 
petine Township, and the daiigliter of Martin 
Dickens. Mrs. Phelps was born July 9, 1841, and 
b}' her marriage with our subject has become the 
mother of three sons and tliree daughters, all at 
home and named as follows: Mary E., Orvillc <)., 
Thomas M., Ella E. and Elza E. (twins), and Mat- 
tie ,5. 

After his marriage Mr. Phelps located upon a 
farm, aud in the pursuit of agriculture has met with 
more than ordinary success. He is now the owner 
of 4.S0 acres, finely improved and under a good 
state of cultivation. He has a handsome farm 
dwelling, good barns and outhouses, costl}' farm 
machinery, aud all the appliances necessary for 
carrying on agriculture in a first-class manner. He 
has been actively interested, since coming to this 
section, in everything pertaining to the welfare of 
his county and community, aud has beeu the sup- 
porter aud encourager of every worthy enterprise 
calculated to advance the cause of education, re- 
ligion and moralit3% He and his good wife are 
connected with the Baptist Church, with their two 
eldest children, and he has been Deacon since 
187.S. He has been Treasurer of the School Board 
since 1877, and is now holding the office of liond 
Supervisor. In his business transactions Mr. Phelps 
has been upright and straightforward, and during 
his long residence in this vicinity' has built up for 
himself a reputation as a good citizen, giving 
cheerfully of his time and means to whatever tends 
for the general welfare, and b^' his industry and 
enterprise affording a worthy example to the rising 
generation. 

A lithographic view of ^Ir. Phelps" residence is 
shown on another page of this volume. 



3' 



«>i— * — o«s«H8i»>-i&->o ^>— 5-«» 

\jl EHU YOUNG, a representative man of Wash- 
ington Tomiship, is pleasantly situated on 
section 6, and engaged in farming and stock- 
raising, lie has been successful in his under- 
takings in life and is essentially^ a self-made man, his 
present possessions being the result of his own indus- 
try and economy. Mr. Young is a native of the 



SESS 




Buckeye State, having been born in Harrison County, 
Ohio, .lune 11, 182'J. He is the son of Benjamin 
and Eva (Fisher) Y^oung, whose household included 
seven children, five of whom are still living, and 
are recorded as follows : Elizabeth is the wife of 
James Brown, of AVashington Township; JLary, 
Mrs. P. O. Overman, resides in South Ottumwa ; Sa- 
rah is the widow of Timothj' II0II3', and lives with 
her sister, Mrs. Overman; Ellen married G. AV. 
Stocker, a farmer of Washington Township; Jehu 
is the subject of our sketch. 

Jehu Young came to this county about 1846, 
and the greater part of his life has been engaged in 
farming pursuits. His childhood and youth were 
passed under the parental roof, and he received a 
fair education in the pioneer schools. In 1853 he 
rented a farju of 1.5 'J acres, the greater part of 
which consisted of wild land, and set himself about 
its imjjrovement and cultivation. In due time hi' 
succeeded in establishing a comfortable home, hav- 
ing occupied the same farm since that time. He 
has been honest and upright in his dealings, and 
enjoys in a marked degree the confidence and es- 
teem of his neighbors and associates. 

Oct. 11, 18.52, Mr. Y'oung was united in mar- 
I'iage with Miss Elizabeth McMillen, the daugh- 
ter of James and Eliza McMillen. By her union 
with our subject she became the mother of two 
children, namely, Ben Franklin, born June 10, 
1859, and Clara, April 18, 1861 ; the latter became 
the wife of John Mclntyre, a farmer of Keokuk 
Township. The mother of these children departed 
this life in 1861, greatly mourned by her familj- 
and a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 
Her remains are laid to rest in the cemetery in 
Agencj' Township. 

For his second wife our subject married the daugh- 
ter of George and Elizabeth (Robinson) Harper. She 
is a native of Canada, and was born Feb. 28, 1849, 
and while yet a child came to this count}' with her 
parents. She was deprived of the affectionate care 
of her mother soon afterward ; her father died in the 
year 1880, at the advanced age of eighty-eight 
years. Both he and his wife were members in good 
standing of the Presbyterian Church. Of the sec- 
ond marriage of JMr. Young there are four children, 
as follows : James, born May 9, 1865; Harvey, Dec, 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



21.-! 




20, 1868; Arthur, Julj- 25, 1876, and Walter, July 
25, 1883. The familj- residence is pleasantlj' situ- 
E ated, and its inmates are surrounded by all the 
E comforts of life. Politicallj- Mr. Young casts his 
']j E vote witli the Republican party; he is the friend of 
: education, morality and religion, and in all respects 
- is fulfilling his obligations as a good citizen. 



^\ D. PIERCE, a prosperous boot and shoe 
merchant of Ottumwa, Iowa, illustrates in a 
varied experience in life what may be ac- 
complished by perseverance under diffi- 
culties. Through a series of reverses, brought 
about bj' no fault of his own, Mr. Pierce has met 
with great losses, but is reaping the reward of his 
courage and resolution under adversitj*. He is 
now one of the leading merchants of the citj', and 
by his straightforward business transactions and 
excellent personal traits of character, has secured 
in a marked degree the confidence and esteem of 
his fellow-citizens. 

The subject of this brief history is a native of 
the Empire State, having been born in Providence, 
Saratoga County, Oct. 13, 1827, and his pareuts 
were bewell H. and Eunice (Wells) Pierce, natives 
respectively of Vermont and Connecticut. Their 
household circle included ten children, five sons 
and five daughters, who are recorded as follows: 
Rebecca is deceased, also Solomon T. ; Julia II. be- 
came the wife of William Kennedy, of Gloversville, 
N. Y^. ; Susan, the widow of James Wells, also re- 
sides in the latter town; Samuel D., our subject, 
was the fifth in order of birth ; Francis S. lives in 
Pocahontas County, Iowa; Fannie and Rufus N. 
are in Ottumwa. The parents died in Fulton 
County, N. Y'., the mother at the age of seventy- 
eight and the father at eighty years. The former 
was connected with the Presbyterian Church; the 
latter inclined to the Methodist doctrine, and con- 
nected himself with that society. 

At the age of sixteen years the subject of this 
history was apprenticed to the trade of a tanner 
and shoemaker in Mayfield, which he continued for 
fifteen years in that place. He then removed to 
Fish House, in his native county, and thence, in 



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1847, to Little Falls in the same State. Here he 
became acquainted with and was married to Miss 
Nancy Petrie, the daughter of Reul^en and Rhoda 
(House) Petrie, both natives of New York State. 
Subsequently JMr. Pierce with his young wife re- 
moved to Gloversville, where he embarked in the 
manufacture of gloves and mittens, and was thus 
engaged for the following two years. He then re- 
solved to try his fortune in one of the Western 
States, and turning his face toward the setting sun, 
journeyed into Illinois and located in Lewistowu, 
where he engaged in the manufacture of boots and 
shoes, and also in tanning the leather of which they 
were made. He remained in this locality for a 
period of seven years, was prospered in his labors 
and business transactions, and accumulated a hand- 
some property. 

In 1857 Mr. Pierce crossed the Mississippi over 
into Henry County, Mo., where he purchased a 
tract of wild prairie land and engaged in agricult- 
ural pursuits. He improved the greater part of 
his possession, brought the land to a good state of 
cultivation, aud erected a substantial set of frame 
buildings. He then sold out to good advantage, 
and removing to Osceola, St. Clair County, in the 
same State, resumed his old business of boot and 
shoe making and tanning, to which he also added 
the manufacture of saddlery and harness. He be- 
came finely established here and was on the higli 
i-oad to prosperity at the breaking out of the late 
Rebellion. Being a Northern man with Northern 
views and s}'nipathics, his customers withdrew their 
patronage, and he was forced to leave the country, 
sacrificing all his property, and thankful to escape 
with his life and the liv^s of his family. He then 
came to Wapello County, Iowa, aud located in Ot- 
tumwa among strangers, without a dollar which he 
could call his own. He opened up a small shoe- 
shop, and in the humblest manner began what he 
trusted woukl prove the restoration of his fallen 
fortune. By close attention to business, and in- 
cessant industry, 'Step by step he built u[) a business 
which to-da^' he maj' well be justified in viewing 
with pride and satisfiiction. In the meantime, 
however, he suffered still further the loss of pro))- 
erty, being burned out in 1868, by which he suf- 
fered a loss of %2.ji), and nine years later was again 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



caught by the fire fiend, which clamagerl him to the 
amount of §2oO. But notwithstanding these ad- 
verssties he is still enjoying a good business, and 
considers himself ))reparcd for almost any future 
emergcnc}'. 

The household circle of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce was 
completed by the birth of six children, as follows: 
Samuel M., of Ottumwa, was born Sept. 2, 1847; 
Mury L. is tlie widow of Joseph (lepliart; (ieorge 
I), was born June 25, I»54, and resides in Ot- 
tumwa ; Charles I)., born Nov. 1 5, 1 SoC, is deceased ; 
Anna, born in June, 180 1, died in infancy; Franiv 
I), was born June 2;i, ISC'.), and is at home with 
his parents. The family residence is pleasantly 
located on West ^Nlain street, and Mr. Pierce and 
his family enjoy the friendship and association of 
the best residents of Ottumwa. In politics he is a 
stanch Republican, and socially belongs to the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, the I. O. O. I'. an<l the V. A. S. 



4^ 



^©■^ 



^ 






AGE WHITE, a prominent and highly re- 
spected resident of Adams Township, came 
to Wapello County in 1845, and entered 
160 acres of land in this township, on sec- 
tion 35, which he improved and cultivated, and has 
occupied since that time. JMr. White was born in 
Clay Countj', Ky., Oct. 27, 1823, and is the son of 
Francis and Libby (Knowling) White, natives of 
the same State, whence they emigrated to Jlissouri, 
where the father died in 1844. Our subject, after 
his father's death, went to Missouri and brought his 
mother and her five children to this county, and 
maintained them until the latter had grown to 
years of maturity. He w'as the second child of the 
family, and was reared to farming pursuits, in the 
meantime receiving a fair education in the sub- 
scription schools. 

In 1853 Mr. White was united in marriage with 
Miss Eliza Berry, who was born in Zanesvillc, 
Ohio, in 1836, and was the daughter of Joseph 
Berrj', of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. White are the 
parents of eleven children, all of whom are living: 
Clara, the eldest, married James Arnold, of (Treen 
Township; Ella, Mrs. Charles Arnold, lives in Cass 
County, Iowa; Charles P. married Mi.ss Ella 



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Walker, and is operating his father's farm; Francis 
M. is in the employ of Sheppard & Co., of Ot- 
tumwa; Albert M. and Edward S. are at home; 
Robert Ilenrj', Marj' F^lizabeth, Belle and > iola g,; 
are at home. 

The farm property of Mr. White includes 4 Id 
acres of finely cultivated land, and in addition to 
agricultural pursuits he has given considerable at- 3 
tenticni to stock-raising, making a specialty of hogs. a| 
He has been prominently identified with the busi- a' 
ness and industrial interests of this section since 
coming here, and has taken an active part in i)ro- 
moting its prosperity and advancement. He h.as 5 [i 
been connected with the School Board at various 5 
times, once for a period of three years in succession, g!! i 
and was amember of the Board of Supervisors when 3:r} 
the present county hospital was built. In 1883 he ;• 
established a store of general merchandise on the J 
south side of section 35, on the county line, where 2: 
he still continues a good business, the location be- : 
ing six miles from the nearest town. : 

In 1850 Mr. White made an overland journey to 
California, and was engaged in mining for two years 
in the Golden State with satisfactory results. He 3j 
came home by the waj- of New York and the Isth- ; 
mus and. although he enjoj-ed the voyage, was very J 
seasick, and suffered from theefi'ects of it some time ■ 
after reaching terra firma. Since that time he has J 
remained closeh' at home, seldom going bej'ond the ; 
bounds of his extensive farm estate. Mr. White is 3!; 
Republican in i)olitics, and Mrs. AY. is a worthy- 
member of the Baptist Church. 



: \ 



Vf] OHN WILCOX, deceased, formerly of Eddy- : 
ville, was boi'u March 12, 1825, in Madison 3 
County, Ohio, of Scotch ancestr}-. His par- 5 
ents, Joel and Sarah (Williams) Wilcox, rpU 
moved to Putnam County, that State, in 1826, and 
it was there that John was re.ared to manhood. 
The maiden name of the grandmother of our sub- s;i 
ject, on the fatlier's side, was Elizabeth Cowan, and : 
the maternal grandmother was, prior to her mar- : 
riage, a Miss IMary ]\IcCarty. The parents of onr !■ 
subject emigrated to Oregon in 1847, all the family r 
accompanying them except John, who remained in : 






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I SrxrSrrxrrSutrxT 




WAPELLO COUNTY 



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Ohio. The joiirnej' was made thither overland, 
and the mother died during the same year, Oct. 18, 
1847, at the Dalles, and was buried at Vancouver, 
Washington Territory. The father died November 
10 of the same 3'ear, and was buried at the same 
place. 

John Wilcox assisted in the labors of the farm, 
in the meantime attending the common schools. 
Nov. 9, 1843, he was married to Jemima Hopliins, a 
native of Ohio, and to their union eight children 
were born, six of whom are living at this writing: 
Eliza, wife of S. Bower, of Ohio; Elmira, wife of 
Samuel P. Wright, of that State ; Martha, wife of 
Charles C. Woodward, also a resident of Ohio; 
Frank P. is a traveling salesman for D. McFerry, of 
Detroit, Mich.; Fremont is a telegraph operator at 
Toledo, Ohio, and the whereabouts of Kelly is un- 
known. The wife of our subject died in Putnam 
County, Ohio, Feb. 16, 1871. 

The second matrimonial alliance of Mr. Wilcox 
took place Feb. 25, 18G8, with Mrs. Mary ,Taue 
Mackaj", a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, and 
widow of William Mackay, also a native of that 
country. Her maiden name was Drummoiid, and 
she is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Gault) 
Drummoud. She had been married previous to her 
union with Mr. Mackay, her first husband being 
Thomas Deuham, by whom she had two children: 
Elizabeth, wife of George W. Taylor, of Washing- 
ton, D. C, a clerk in the pension office, and John 
C, now a resident of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and en- 
gaged in the harness business. Of her union with 
our subject one child has been born, Delia E., liv- 
ing at home and .attending the High School ; she 
will graduate therefrom this year (1887.) 

In 1849 our subject moved to Mercer County, 
Ohio, where he continued to reside until 1854, and 
while there acted in the caijacity of County Clerk. 
In 1855 Mr. Wilcox moved to Iowa and settled 
near Eddy ville, this county, on a farm. There he 
continued to labor at his chosen vocation until the 
breaking out of the Civil War, when he enlisted as 
a private in Co. I, 7th low^a Vol. Inf. It will be 
seen from the number of his regiment that he was 
one of the first to respond to his country's call, and 
he was mustered into service at Burlington, Aug. 
2, 1861. He was promoted Corporal at Camp 



t Juirtxt^j , 




Walker, Sept. 22, 1861, and detailed with a com- 
pany of ten men to do picket duty five miles from 
Columbus. He, with his squad of men, was charged 
upon by rebel eavelry, but repulsed the charge 
with a loss of five men to their opponents. Oct. 3, 
1861, he was sent as an escort to rebel prisoners 
from Charleston Railroad to Bird's Point, and came 
near being captured, but eluded his pursuers, and 
arrived safely at the termination of his journey 
with his prisoners. Nov. 7, 1861, he participated 
in the battle of Belmont, Mo. Jan. 29, 1862, he was 
talien side and sent to the hospital, but soon recov- 
ered, and February 13 of that 3'ear he participated 
in the ever memor.able battle of Ft. Donelson, which 
lasted three days, and there commanded a com- 
pany. April 2, 1862, at Pittsburg Landing he also 
commanded a company, and took part in the battle 
of Corinth, where he likewise was in charge of a 
company. Sept. 24, 1862, our subject resigned his 
l)osition as Lieutenant in the army and came home. 
The reason of his resignation was that he was placed 
under a Captain whom lie and many of the soldiers 
knew to be a coward, and under whom he refused 
to serve. Arriving home he organized a company 
of cavalry of which he was chosen Captain, ami in 
May, 1863, he again went to the field and contin- 
ued in the service until the close of the war. In 
fact our subject continued a soldier until May, 
1866, when he received his discharge at Davenport. 
He was during these years Captain of Co. B, 7th 
Iowa Vol. Cav., and was wounded at the battle of 
Belmont; Nov. 7, 1861, he was promoted Second 
Lieutenant; Dee. 22, 1861, he commanded Com- 
]iany I, in the battles of Donelson, Shiloh and the 
seige of Corinth, and received his discharge in Sep- 
tember, 1862. As stated, he at once commenced 
raising troops for the Government, and at his own 
expense soon had a full companj^ which was trans- 
ferred to the 7th Iowa Cavalry, and as stated, he 
was elected Captain of Com pan}' B, April 27, 1863. 
After Aug. 19, 1863, he served with his regiment in 
Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming and Dakota, 
and his company took part in all the expeditions 
against the hostile Indians. It occupied a promi- 
nent and important position in the Powder River 
expedition under Col. Moonlight, of the 11th Kan- 
sas District, and after this expedition our subject 



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commanded a battalion with honor and credit, and 
was commissioned Major; he was a brave aiid hon- 
ored soldier throughout the war. 

After ids return from the war Capt. AVik-ox 
.again engaged in the peaceful [nirsuits of life, and 
wiis thus occupied until iscs. His health being 
impaired I13' exposure while in the .'irmy, he was 
forced to give up farming, and iu l^d^ purchased 
the Defi ^f<)i/le!i Valley Gazette, publislied at Eddy- 
ville. Tliis paper he edited for a number of years, 
and during the same time lie was appointed Post- 
master at Eddyville; his commission bearing date 
of iM.av, ISCilt, and wliich lie continued to hold un- 
til his resignation under the Hayes administration. 
He tiien attended the Soldiers' Home at Daj-ton, 
Ohio, for medical treatment, and there died June 
:], 1881. 

.John Wilcox was a Rei)ublican in politics, and 
alwajs took an active part in public affairs. The 
Ci. A. R. Post, of Eddyville, was named in his honor, 
and is known as the Wilcox Post. His education 
was obtained in the common schools in earlv life, 
and afterward supplemented b}^ constant study, he 
Ix'ing a great reader. His widow and daughter^ 
who survive, are living in the line residence which 
he left tliem on Third street, in Edd3'ville. 



5^ AMUEL G. WILSON. This highly re- 
spected citizen of Waiiello County is a 
native of Indiana, born in ilontgomery 
County May 29, 1844, and the son of New- 
ton B. and Hannah (Galey) Wilson, both natives 
of Kentuclij". After their marriage they removed 
to Indiana, and were among the earliest settlers of 
that .State. Their son, our subject, was there reared 
upon a farm until he had .ittained to manhood. 
The parents then removed to Iowa, and came into 
Wapello County' on the 17th of October, 1805. 
They first settled near Blakesburg, and our subject 
remained witii them for live _years following, and 
engaged in general teaming. He then moved across 
the line into Monroe County, and located on a 
rented farm, whicli he occupied for six months, 
and has been renting cultivated land iu various 
parts of the countj' since that time. 




Our subject was married, Feb. 7, 1867, to Miss • 
Savannah (Talej^, a native of Indiana, and a daugh- : 
ter of .Tohn .and Eliza (Lane) Gale}', the former a ; 
native of Kentuckj- and the latter of Virginia. Of ; 
this union there have been three children : Newton, ; 
born in 1808; Alverda, in 1872, and .John, in l!s78. ^ 
Politicall}- Mr. Wilson is Democratic. ; 

The father of our subject departed tliis life Jan. : 
22, 1882, at the advanced age of seventy-five j'ears. ; 
He was a blacksmith by occupation, industrious ; 
and prudent in his manner of living, and a devoted E 
member of the I'resliyterian Church. The mother I 
is still living at Blakesburg, at the advanced age E 
of seventy-one years, and is still connected with : 
the Presbyterian Church, of which she and her hus- r 
band became members in the earlier days of their : 
marriage. 5 



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(^ j^ILLIAM WIFEAT, a prosperous farmer of li 
Township, is of Scandinavian oi-igin, 5 
as born in Sweden on the 6th of Jan- = 
nary, 1837. He is the son of John and Mary I 
(Johnson) Wifeat, and emigrated from his native 
land to the United States in 1868, Landing in New 3 
York City. After reaching American shores he 5 
proceeded directly westward, crossed the Missis- 3 
sippi, and going into Des Moines, Iowa, engaged : 
in work on the Rock Island cfe Pacific Railroad, : 
which was then in process of construction. He was 5 
thus employed for four months, and then came to ; 
Ottumwa, where he was variously emplojed for the = 
following eight years. He had previously learned : 
the trade of a shoemaker, and part of his time was ; 
spent in the manufacture of boots and shoes. In J 
187G he resolved to change his occupation, and ■• 
accordingly purchased forty acres of laud in Green ;' 
Township. This was only partly improved, and he : 
industriously set about the cultivation of the soil, f 
In the meantime Mr. Wifeat had assumed domes- ; 
tic ties, having been married in 1860, to Miss Mary ■ 
Johnson, a native of his own country, who was born : 
in 1826. Mrs. W. is the daughter of Jolin and - 
Christina Angelia Johnson, also natives of Sweden, - 
who spent their lives in their native countrj-. Of ; 
this union there were born three children : Caro- : 
line died in 1870, when an interesting maiden of : 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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seventeen years; John August died the same year, 
at the age of eight j^ears and three months ; Mary 
married August AspUim; she is well educated and 
quite accomplished. Mr. W., his wife and daughter, 
are members in good standing of the Lutlieran 
Church, and are highh' respected in their commu- 
nity for excellent personal traits of character. 

The farm estate of Mr. Wifeat includes eighty 
acres of finely cultivated land, a comfortable dwell- 
ing, good barns and outhouses, and m11 the apjjli- 
ancesfor carrying on agriculture in a flrst-elass 
manner. Mr. W. started in life at the foot of the 
ladder, and has climbed up to his present position 
by slow degrees, having now fully established him- 
self in the confidence and esteem of his fellow 
to^^^lSmen. lie received a good education in his 
native Sweden, and since coming to this country 
has kept himself posted upon all matters of general 
interest, and possesses that fund of useful informa- 
tion which makes him an interesting man t<j con- 
verse with. 

The father of our subject, in his earl}' manhood, 
learned the trade of a shi;)emaker which, however, 
he did not follow for many years. lie became a 
soldier in the Swedisli army and spent thirty-three 
years in the service of his country, being in the 
Napoleon wars, and gaining a rich experience in his 
migrations over different parts t)f the North of Eu- 
rope. 




II 



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RS. MARY J. HAWTHORN, widow of R. 
T. Hawthorn, and a highly respected resi- 
dent of Competine Township, resides upon 
the homestead which w.is established by 
her husband over thirty years ago. It is pleasantly 
located on section .SG, and includes "244 acres of 
finely improved land, a comfortable and handsome 
farm residence, good barns and out-buildings, and 
all the appurtenances of a first-class modern farm 
estate. 

Mrs. Hawthorn is a native of Virginia, and was 
born June 21), 1.S25. She is the daughter of James 
and Elizabeth (Lively) Reed, also natives of the 
Old Dominion, and at the age of sixteen years was 
united in marriage with R. T. Hawthorn, who re- 
mained her affectionate and amiable comijaniou for 




fortj'-three years, his death occurring on the ■22d of 
April, 1884. R. T. Hawthorn was born in A'ir- 
ginia on the Sth of March, 1819. He spent his 
early years in Virginia, and received a fair educa- 
tion in the schools of his native county. In 1853 
he and his wife emigrated to Iowa, and m.ade their 
first location in Jefferson County, the journey from 
^^irginia being made overland with teams, and they 
carried their household goods and provisions, par- 
taking of tlieir meals by the wayside, and sleeping 
in their wagons at night. The journe}' occupied 
seven weeks, and ]Mrs. II. could fill an interesting 
volume with the scenes and incidents of th.at jour- 
ne3% and of their subsequent life in the pioneer 
settlement of the Hawkeye State. After a brief 
period si)ent in Jefferson County, Mr. Hawthorn 
deciiled that it would be for ills interest to make a 
remov.al, and ,accordiugly purchased 153 acres of 
land, partly improved, in Wapello County. This 
was located on section 36, Competine Township, 
and constitutes the present homestead, where his 
widow resides, and where their children were reared 
to years of maturitj'. Immediately after his pur- 
chase Mr. Hawthorn commenced the improvement 
and cultivation of the land, and was prospered in 
his labors. As time passed and his means accumu- 
lated he added to his territory, until the estate 
now embraces 244 acres, all finely improved and 
under a good state of cultivation. 

The household circle of Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorn 
was completed by the birth of ten children — four 
daughters and six sons. The record is ,as follows : 
Elizabeth M. was born Sept. 17, 1843, became the 
wife of (Jeorge \V. Dickens, and departed this life 
in 1874; II. T. was born April 17, 1846, and is a 
resident of this county ; James P. was born Sept. 
4, 1848; M.arg.aret A., born June 5, 1852, died 
July 22 of the same year; Samuel R., now of Clay 
County, Neb., w.as born Sept. 19, 1854; Mary J., 
born March 27, 1857, is the wife of S. H. White, a 
farmer of Wapello County; Ellen H., born Oct. 30, 
1859, died Sept. 24, 1860; David E., born Aug. 
10, 1861, died M.arch 1, 1862; John A. C. was born 
Jan. 22, 1863; Templeton C, Aug. 7, 1866. Mr. 
and Mrs. H. were connected with the Baptist 
Church for m.any years. 

R. T. Hawthorn was widely and favorably known 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



TIM'" 





in this section of the State. His high moral prin- 
ciples, honesty find uprightness in all the concerns 
of life, anfl his excellent personal traits of charac- 
ter, had enileared hiui to a large circle of friends 
and acquaintances. He was a man of enterprise, 
industry and energy, and contributed his full quota 
toward developing the resources of this section of 
the Hawkeye State, lie was the stanch friend and 
supporter of education, religion and moralit}', and 
was always to be found on the siile of justice and 
right. In all respects he fulfilled the obligations 
of a good citizen, and his name is held in kindly 
remembrance. 

)HOMAS D. McGLOTIILEX, a wealthy and 
highlj' respected citizen of Columbia Town- 
ship, has been a prominent resident of this 
section for a period of forty-two ^-ears, and during 
that time has firmly established himself in the con- 
fidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He is a 
gentleman of fine abilities, and as a leader among 
the infiueutial men of his locality is entitled to due 
credit for what he 1ms ;icconiplished and the iiifiu- 
ence which he still brings to bear in aid of what- 
ever pertains to the progress of intelligence, educa- 
tion and morality. 

The subject of our sketch was born in \\;i3nc 
Count}-, Ind., in 181 (J. He is the son of Charles 
and .Jane (Davis) McClothlen, and w\as reared 
upon the farm of his parents. When he was a 
child of three 3'e.ars old, the}- removed from In- 
diana to iNIissouri, where they remained for two 
years, and then moved back into Indiana, and lived 
there twenty-seven years. Their son Thomas, our 
subject, came to \\'apello County in the spring of 
1845, and purchased 120 acres of unimproved land. 
He industriously set himself about redeeming the 
soil from its original condition, and was prospered 
in his undertakings. As time passed on he added 
to his original possessions, and is now the owner of 
-119 acres of as finely cultivated land as is to be 
found .along the Mississippi A'allcv. 

The marriage of Thomas D. McGlothlen and 
Miss Sarah Meek, of Kentucky, was celebrated in 



Fountain Count}', Ind., in 1836, when our subject « -j 
was twenty years of age. Of this union there were ; "^ 
born two children : Rebecca J., now the wife of = 
Clay born R. Raveal, of WapeUo County, and Slary ; .j 
Is.abelle, who married . Adam Bell, also of this s } 
county. The first wife of our subject survived her 5 | 
marriage only about five years, dying in 1841, and S-J 
two years later he was again married, to jMiss IMar- ; 1|^ 
tha Taylor, also of Kentucky, born in Hardin : |K 
County. This lady became the mother of eleven 3r[ 
children, of whom the record is as follows : Nancy 3"tJ 
Maria died in February, 1846; Ch.arles died when f. „- 
an infant of three months old, in 1845; Jacob L. is qj 
living at Eddy ville; Ellen married Temple Harris, s ^ 
of this county; John W. met his death by sun- c-} 
stroke, in July, 1881, at the age of twenty-seven 
years; Sarah E. is the wife of Joseph McCombs, 
of this county ; Thomas B. is engaged in the dairy 
business at Des Moines; A. J. is living near Bar- 
nard, Nodaway Co., Mo.; George is at home witli | 
his parents; Frank is engaged with the Western 
Supply Coal Company, at Kirkville, Iowa, and arji 
Adolphus P. is connected with a creamery near Ed- S;, 
dyvillc. sii 

Since coming to this vicinity Mr. ^McGlothlen 55 j 

^ ' 3^-1 

has been activel}' interested in public matters, and 1^1 

liis talents have received due recognition. In the 
fall of 1862, after occupying other prominent posi- 
tions among the councils of his townsmen, he was 
elected to the Iowa Legislature, in which he served 
acceptably for two years. He has Ijeeu a member 
of the Board of Supervisors, and the incumbent of 
other minor otlices. The residence of Mr. McG. 
and his family is one of the finest farm dwellings in 
this vicinity. His barns and out-buildings in every 
way correspond with the residence, and his farm S'-i 
implements and machinery are of the most im- |-;i 




proved designs. In near proximity to the house is S:; i 
a valuable spring of living water, which extends to !;i 
the pasture land and which the proprietor values at 3^K 
thousands of dollars. The homestead in every re- : 
spect gives evidence of the intelligence and the cul- ; [J 
tivated taste of its proprietor, and forms one of the 2^j 
most attractive spots in the landscape of Wapello = 1. 
County. In addition to the ordinary pursuits of = ^ 
agi-icultui-e, Mr. McGlothlen has given much atten- ; K 
tion to the breeding of fine stock. : 

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t ; Mr. G. and his wife are members in good stand- 

[itig of the Christian Church, and number among 

tJieir friends and associates the .best class of people 

i|i this vicinity. Our subject commenced life a 

f{oor bo}', at the foot of the ladder, and has climbed 

^i£l) to his present position solely by tiie exercise of 

Itis own natural talents. In his early years he ap- 

jSlied himself to hard labor, and is now enjoying 

tjie fruits of his earl}- toil, being surrounded liy all 

ilSJie comforts of life and man\- of its luxuries. 

i;: The father of our subject departed this life in the 

lifiiU of 1850, at the ripe age of seventj" j'ears. He 

■\ivas a farmer by occupation, and trained his son to 

ij^iose habits of industry and economy- which have 

Vliieen the secret of his success in life. The mother 

TJairvived her husband until 1864, dylHg at the age 

^jif eight}- 3-ears. She was a good woman in ever}' 

i^nse that the term implies, and left behind her 

iStcord of womaulv virtues and kindly deeds. 

i;- 
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— ^31— ^t— *^- 




F. NEWELL. Emerson says all history is 
only biography. So we And this is espe- 
^ cially exemplified in the community in which 
j^ljlr. Newell resides. Its history is only the biogi'a- 
yj^y of the lives of a few men, chiefly among whom 
^18 our subject. He is a farmer and stock-dealer re- 
J-'ading on section G, Washington Township, and 
^lyas born in Warren County, lud., Jan. 25, 1841. 
ISe is a son of William and Jemima (Foster) New- 
Jdl, both of whom are natives of Ohio. His father 
Aoved from Indiana to ^Vapello County, Iowa, as 
J^lSirly as 1847, and died in Washington Township, 
[ian. 5, 18G0; his mother died Feb. 5, 1860. Both 
{ were highly respected pioneers of this section. 
^1 S When his parents moved to Wapello County, 
\^e subject of this sketch was but six years of age. 
, fle was consequently educated in the district 
I^SEhools of this county, grew up here, and embarked 
jiip an active and what has been a successful busi- 
,3jess career. On the 6th day of February, 1862, he 
{parried Martha E. Page, a native of New Hamp- 
}^ire, who was born March 22, 1841. She is the 
{laughter of David and Martha (Davis) Page, both 
.^OT whom died near Fairfield, Iowa. ]Mr. and Mrs. 
•^^Newell are the parents of three children : Ida M., 



born April 13, 1863; Carrie E., Oct. 25, 1864; 
Frank W., Dec. 10, 1866. 

Mr. Newell owns 700 acres of land in Washing- 
ton, Pleasant and Agency Townships. On the 
home farm he has one of the best dwellings in the 
township, and everything about the place is kept 
in the best order, and we are pleased to present a 
full page view of it as a splendid representation of 
the farm homesteads of Wapello County. In his 
farming operations he makes a specialty of thor- 
ough-bred Short-horn cattle and Norman horses, 
keeping the best grades of all kinds of stock. He 
has also devoted much attention to shipping, and 
for twenty years has been quite an extensive ship- 
per of stock, in which business he has been quite 
successful. He is a thorough business man, and 
withal a public-spirited one. There is no enter- 
prise tending to build up the township, county or 
State, but in him finds a friend. He was President 
of the Wapello County Agricultural Society one 
term, and served two terms as Treasurer of the 
same. He has also been connected with, and act- 
ive in the management of the Agency District Fair, 
and was one of the Directors of the State Agricult- 
ural Society for three years. He and his wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
in politics he is a Republican. 

Mr. Newell's success has not been a success 
solely in the accumulation of wealth, but in do- 
ing good to others, in serving others well, and in 
winning their respect and esteem. He has §ver 
strictly observed that most important factor in the 
public or business life of anyone — honesty. He is 
a careful, conscientious business man, ever adher- 
ing to the dictates of his conscience in matters both 
of a public and private nature. Such a man is an 
excellent representative of a community, and we 
take pleasure in presenting his portrait. 



H. SPRAGUE, one of the successful and 
enterprising business men of Eddyville, 
was born in Washington County, Ohio, 
Oct. 9, 1852, and is the son of Joseph S. 
and Henrietta M. (Laughery) Sprague, the former 
a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and the lat- 




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WAPELLO CULNTY. 



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ter of Noble Count}% the same State. M. H. 
Sprague was educated in the common schools and 
at Beverly Academj-, Ohio. He followed teaching 
and attended college between times, and graduated 
from the Columbia Medical College with honors in 
1.S80, having previously studied medicine under 
the preeeptorship of Dr. W. B. Hedges. After re- 
ceiving his diploma he at once engaged in the prac- 
tice of his profession at Coal Run, Washington Co., 
Oliio, and remained there for about eighteen 
iimnths. He then removed to Beverly, the same 
county, and practiced there for about eighteen 
months. Dr. Sprague came to this State from Bev- 
erly, Ohio, and took up his residence at Edd^ville, 
where he i)urchased the drug-store and business of 
D. W. McJManas, in which he is at present engaged, 
carrying a full line of drugs and medicines. He is 
also occupied in the iiractice of his profession at 
that i)lace, and in both departments of his vocation 
is meeting with success. 

Dr. Sprague was married to Miss Ella Leonard, 
March 29, 1877. She is a native of Washington 
Count3', Ohio, and a daughter of Joseph and Bet- 
sey (Danely) Leonard. Her father was born in 
Fairfax County, Va., Feb. 17, ls04, and her mother 
was a native of Washington County, Ohio, born June 
10, 1808. Dr. and Mrs. Sprague have two chil- 
dren: M. Leora, born Dec. 21, 1878, and Lillian 
C, May 21, 1882. The father of our subject de- 
parted this life at Eddyville, Aug. 2.5, 1885, aged 
lifty-four years, three months and twenty-two daj's; 
his widow survives, and is a resident of Eddyville. 
He was a member of the Christian Church, to 
which deuoniinatiun she also belongs. Socially our 
subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 

Joseph S. Sprague, father of our subject, was 
born May 1, 1831, in Muskingum County, Ohio. 
He removed to Washington County, that State, 
while young, and there resided for nianj- years. 
Nov. 7, I8,")2, he married Miss Ilein-ietta Laughery, 
with whom he lived happily until his death. Com- 
mencing poor in life, he resolved to make his word 
as good as gold and, when he had comparatively 
nothing, he could borrow money or buy propertj' 
almost without limit. He was a gentleman who 
feared debt and always advised his children to live 
within their means. He lived the free and enjoj'a- 




ble life of a farmer, and was one of the most ener- -' 
getic and thorough-going men in the county. He ; 
awoke one night about four weeks prior to his 3 
death, and said he wanted his business m.atters all ; 
attended to as he was going to die shortly, though ; 
at this time he was in good health. During his ill- : 
ness he manifested a desire to die ; once he rem.arked |; 
'• I want to go to that beautiful world where there ; 
is no sin or suffering." He united with the Chri.s- : 
tian Church early in life, .and remained a devoted ; 
worker in the cause. No person had more confi- ; 
deuce in prayer, and his favorite place of pr.iyer : 
was in the woods alone, and in perfect solitude. In • 
life he was active, sociable in disposition, desiring ;: 
to make friends of everj^body. Although residing 5 
in Eddyville only about eight months, he formed ; 
a large circle of friends, and often spoke of S 
their kindness to him. He left a family of four : 
children, wiio were all present during his sickness, E 
and who will never forget •' Father." His remains : 
were interred in the Eddyville Cemetery, in a vault : 
thoroughly made of cement, so as to resist the ac- : 
tion of water or other elements. His remains will i 
be iireserved for ages. 3 



/ C. McCLUN<T, one of the useful and val- : 
ued residents of Dahlonega Township, where ; 
he is pleasantlj' located on section 'J, became ; 
'^^/J a resident of Wapello County on the 3d of ? 
November, 1847. He first purchased a claim, and ; 
afterward rented 160 acres which were only partially :■ 
improved, and upon which he at once began to la- i' 
bor with highly- satisfactory results. He now has a : 
finely improved farm with a good residence, barn E 
and out-buildings, and while passing down the hill E 
of life is enabled to enjoy the fruits of his earl^' E 
toil. I 

Mr. ]McClung was born in Kentucky, March 19, : 
1808, and was the son of Samuel and Mary (Cloyd) E 
McClung, both natives of Rockbridge Count}-, ^'a. E 
His maternal grandfather became a resident of 5 
Kentucky at an earlj- period in its histor^^, and was : 
the friend and companion of Daniel Boone. When : 
our subject was but a small child his parents re- ". 
moved to Clark County, lud., where tliej' remained : 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



225 



J three years, then going into Jefferson County, same 
iE State, resided there ten or twelve years. They then 
S moved across the Mississippi to Marion County, 
r| Iowa, living there two years, and thence went to 
:; Montgomery Count}", where they remained until 
■: 1847, and then came to this vicinity. Our subject 
S then came to Wapello Count}-. On the loth of 
ij April, 1831, he was united in marriage with Miss 
:| Mary Chandler, of Kentuck}'. They became the 
i3J parents of two children, of whom INLary Jane died 
I"* in 1853, at the age of seventeen j-ears, and Samuel 
!; is living in Highland Township. Mrs. Mary BIc- 
'* Clung departed this life Sept. IG, 1834, at the age 
''f of twenty-four 3fears, and in May, 1837, Mr. Mc- 
Cluug, for his second wife, married Miss Mary E. 
Scott, a native of Jefferson County, Ind., whose 
§£ father was of Irish birth and parentage, and her 
mother of Penns3dvania. Of this latter marriage of 
JI|E Mr. McClung there were born eight children, as 
'^ follows: Rebecca E. was the wife of W. H. Kitter- 
jl man, and died in Shawnee County, Kan., Dec. 28, 

Colorado; 



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}:| 1860; James, the eldest, is mining 

[IE John lives in Schuyler County, Mo. ; Susan married 



''i; H. manages the home farm, and R. B. is a clerk at 

■yj Ottumwa. The familj* homestead consists of 320 

Jj-; acres of land, all improved and under a good state 

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It* of cultivation. Mr. and ilrs. McClung are worthy 



;iC G. T. Redman and lives in Highland Township; 
Martha married L. S. Wilson, Nov. 22, 18G8; M. 



ij members of the Christian Church, and highl}' re- 
jjl spected as useful factors of the communitj'. 



^OHN Mccarty, of Highland Township, 
owns and occupies 160 acres of good land 
on sections 2y and 32, where he has estab- 
lished a comfortable homestead, and in the 
Ti p pursuit of agriculture he has met with fair success. 
I 'g He was born in Pennsylvania in 1801), and is the son 
i:; of Joseph and Catharine (Livingston) McCarty, na- 
rc tives of the above-named State. Thej^ removed to 
irj; Virginia when John was a lad of twelve years old, 
'*5 locating in Lexington, Rockbridge County, where 
ij ; the}' remained until 1821, thence went to Ross 
1 : County, Ohio, where our subject remained fifteen 



I : j^ears, then started for the farther West, and com- 



ing into Iowa, decided to settle in Wapello i 
County. He first purchased a farm on section 19 1 1 
of Highland Township, which he occupied for six 
years and which he afterward disposed of, securing 
the place which is his present homestead. 

The marriage of John McCarty and Miss Catha- 
rine Anthony took place Oct. 4, 1832, in Ohio. 
Mrs. McC. is also a native of Pennsylvania, and 
the daughter of Jacob and Mary E. (Davis) An- 
thony, natives respectively of New Jersey and 
Ireland. Their household circle was completed 
by the birth of seven children, as follows: .Jemima 
is at home ; Elmina married A. Gleason, and they 
live in Missouri ; William is a jeweler of Saline, 
Mo. ; H. B. lives in Montgomery County, Mo. ; 
Mary S. and S. Q. are at home ; Clara is the wife of 
Jasper Grey, of this county. The family residence 
is comfortable and convenient, and the barns and 
out-buildings of the homestead denote thrift and 
prosperity. Mr. McCarty is highly respected by 
all; he has served as Township Clerk, and been 
otherwise identified with public affairs. He is Dem- 
ocratic in politics, and in all respects is considered 
a good citizen and valued member of the commu- 
nity. 





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•ji) S. RIGGS, one of the leading lumber mer- 
j chants of Eddyville, is the proprietor of a 
ili business which was established by Messrs. 
A. W. Riggs and T. C. Spellman in 1875. These 
gentlemen continued it for two years, and were 
succeeded by A. Hornier & Co., of Keokuk, who 
operated it until 1880, and then sold out to the 
present proprietor. The latter, however, has had 
the management of the business for the past eleven 
years, and consequently at the time of purchase 
was well qualified to continue it successfully and 
profitably. In addition to his lumber-yard he is 
also the owner of valuable town property and his 
residence adjoining his place of business. His 
transactions extend over this section of the State, 
and he handles about fifty carloads of lumber an- 
nually. He also has a lucrative trade in pumps, 
plasterer's materials, and other similar commodities. 
Mr. Riggs was born in Warrick County, Ind., in 



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AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



1854, and is the son of A. W. and Martha (Spell- 
man) Riggs, who removed from that State to Iowa 
in 1855. At the age of twenty years, in 1874. our 
-Subject was united in marriage with Miss Ella Mc- 
Williams, a native of his own State, and the 
daughter of Nathan and Ellen McWilliams. She 
Avas born in 1 k5-'3, and by her marriage with our 
subject became the mother of two children, Birdie 
[j=Ji=7ai|nd Walter. Mrs. Riggs remained the affectionate 
inpanion of her husband for six years, and de- 
jBarted this life in April, 1880. Mr. Riggs was a 
P \\ ppcond time married, to Miss Nanny McMahon, of 
n "^^Kiliiggouri, and they have two children, a son, Clyde, 
orn May 23,1881, and Mabel Lee, Nov. 25, 1886. 
'heir home is pleasantly located, and the}' enjoy 
e confidence and esteem of a large circle of 
riends and acquaintances. Mr. Riggs is a member 
f the I. O. O. F. as P. G.; and the A. O. U. W. 




•4— 



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ENJAMIN THOMAS, S. resident of the 

Ilawkej'e State since the spring of 1 865, is 

jjleasantly located in Keokuk Township, on 

section 33, and successfully engaged in ag- 

cultural pursuits, and is also giving much atten- 

I ; ij yjion to the raising of good grades of the various 

' ""inds of farm stock. Mr. Thomas is a native of 

e Buckeye State, having been born in Faj^ette 

Kj-|jt-ounty, Ohio, on the 20th of March, 1808. He is 

H fthe son of John and Catharine (Putnam) Thomas, 

p^atives of Virginia, who removed to Ohio after 

I heir marriage and located upon a farm at an early 

I leriod in the historj' of that State. 

I ' The subject of our sketch remained under the 

jiirental r(»)f until he was fifteen 3'ears of age, and 

lien went to Portsmouth, Ohio, where he was en- 

ged in chopping at a salary of -$8 per month. 

was thus occupied for two years, and then 

rted with a drove of 860 head of hogs from 

rtsmouth to Richmond, V'a., which trip occupied 

wo months. After his return to Ohio he engaged 

farming pursuits for the following six 3'ears. He 

en returned to the old homestead in Ohio, where 

took charge of his father's farm for two years 

erward. In the meantime, ou the 11th of July, 




1833, he was united in marriage with Miss Patience 
Thompson, the daughter of Francis and Hessie 
(Templeton) Thompson, who were natives of Vir- 
ginia. Of this union there were born three chil- 
dren : Minerva J., the wife of Mumford Jones, a 
farmer of Kansas; William J., engaged in agricult- 
ural pursuits in tJreen Township, this county, and 
Elizabeth A., who died in infancy. 

After his marriage ISIr. Tlxjuias and his wife re- 
mained in Ohio for the following ten years, during 
which time he was engaged in farming and carry- 
ing on a cooper-shop, and then went to Brown 
County, 111. The mother of these children closed 
her ej'es to the scenes of earth on the 11th of 
March, 1851, and was buried near Versailles. Brown 
County, 111. Mr. Thomas then removed from 
Brown to Knox County, and thence, in March, 
1865, to Jefferson County, Iowa. Here he pur- 
chased a small farm which he cultivated for nearly 
three years, then sold out and moved into Wa- 
pello County. In the spring of 1868 he purchased 
eight}' acres of unimproved land, upon which he 
established his present homestead. In the mean- 
time he was the second time married, to Mrs. May 
Willis, the widow of R, P. Willis, who died June 
11, 1847. She was the daughter of Benjamin and 
Lydia Eggers, both natives of Ohio. Of their last 
marriage there were born the following children : 
Matthew A., a farmer of Keokuk Township; Mary 
Patience, deceased, and buried in Brown County, 
111. ; Benjamin F. is operating a farm in this county ; 
Mary P. married Anson A. Brooks, a farmer and 
miner; Eliza W. is at home; Annie E., deceased, 
was buried in Adams County, 111. ; George E. is at 
home. 

At an earlj' age the subject of our sketch became 
greatly interested in religious matters and in the 
salvation of his fellow-men. He began to deliver 
brief addresses in public, and in 1 843 was ordained 
as a local minister of the United Brethren Church. 
He was thus earnestl}' engaged until his health be- 
gan to fail, or until about 1871. In the meantime, 
in 1860, he took a trip overland to Colorado, start- 
ing in March, the journey occupying about six 
months. He resumed his ministerial duties after 
returning, but in 1871 was obliged to abandon 
them. His labors in this direction were greatly 



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blest, and he witnessed many conversions, with the 
comfortingassurance tliat he liad been instrumental 
in saving souls. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are liotli 
members of the United Brethren Church, and po- 
liticallj' our subject is a stanch Republican. 



>^ATHANIEL PRE.SCOTT, a resident of 
Green Township since 1864, operates a snug 

;^ farm on section 9, and is carrying on his 
farm pursuits and business transactions in that 
commendable manner that has gained for him the 
respect and esteem of his neighbcjrs. He was born 
in Ireland in 181.5, and is consequently well ad- 
vanced in years, though still retaining his mental 
faculties and that energy of purpose which charac- 
terized him in his early youth. Mr. Prescott is the 
son of Robert and Jane (Agers) Prescott, both na- 
tives of Ireland. Five years after the birth of our 
subject they emigrated to America, and located on 
a farm in Muskingum County, Ohio, where they 
lived until 1840. They then removed to Penn- 
sylvania, and for nine years following Nathaniel 
Prescott was engaged in boating on the Delaware 
River as Mate and Captain. In 1850 he returned 
to Ohio, where for the following five years he was 
engaged in farming pursuits. From there he went 
to Covington, lud., and became a clerk in the dry- 
goods store of his uncle, being thus employed for 
two j-ears. He then returned to' Ohio, and from 
there again proceeded westward, to Scotland 
Countj', Mo., where he rented a farm until 1864. 
He then came into Wapello County, and located 
in Green Township, purchasing eighty acres of 
land, and upon which he established a permanent 
home. At the time he came into possession of this 
farm the land was in its original condition, but he 
industriousl}' set about its improvement and culti- 
vation, and met with that success which is the re- 
ward of enterprise and perseverance. 

The marriage of Nathaniel Prescott and Miss 
Melissa Jane Gander was celebrated in Ohio in 
1857. Mrs. P. is the daughter of John and Cath- 
arine (Schull) Gander, both natives of A'irginia, 
and by her mariiage with our suljject has become 



the mother of four children : John AVilliam is ei 
ployed in a foundr}- in Ottumwa; Addie also livi 
in that city ; Emma Jane became the wife of AViff^^^.^ 
iam Rhodes, a plasterer, and lives in Ottuniwa|J 



Susanna is at home. 

Mr. Prescott is highly esteemed in his eoi^ 
munity, and a member in good standing of the 
O. O. F. In politics he is a Republican, and 
takes an active interest in all matters calculated t({ 
promote the welfare of his county and communitij^^ 
The father of our subject spent his last years i \ 
Ohio, and died there at the age of eighty-five year 




The mother, after becoming ninety-five years c 
age, was fatally burned by falling into a fireplacSa^ 
when no one was near to assist her. 



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n SAAC SHIELDS, a self-made man, and one w 
I has attained success in life through individu: 
/1\ effort and econom3% is at present a resident 
the thriving little citj' of Eddyville. He was borr 
in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1819, and is a son 
-James and Eliza (Niel) Shields, natives of thw-. 
Emerald Isle. James Shields was a farmer by o, 
cupation, and followed his calling in his nativm CJ 



country until his demise, in 1881, while in h 
eighty-ninth year. He was a member of the Prejiip^ 
by terian Church. n|:| 

Our subject crossed the briny waters, and landej t "; 



ii! 



on the soil of our free Republic in 1848, settlir 
soon thereafter at Pittsburgh, Pa. There he cort' 
tinued to reside for three yeais, eugaged as clerlj 
in the wholesale grocery business of Edward Hazel ^i 
ton. He then went to Harrison County, Ohio, ani 
after a residence there of four 3'ears, during whid 
time he was also merchandising, he came to thig 
county and took up his residence near Eddyville^^ 
the date of his settlement being 1852, and engagerffiftj 
in farming, being thus occupied for about ten^i 
years. During the year 1863 he moved into th tBBl 
village and established his present residence, and K 
has since made this his home, living a retired lifen ^ j 

3Ir. Shields was first married July "20, 1849, an^T 
the lady chosen as his life companion was Miss Re 
becca Sherrod, a native of Ohio. She died Jar 
29, 1857, after having borne him six children, tw 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



of whom are j'et living — John G., a resident of 
Mahaska Count\-, and Lemuel B., a farmer of De- 
catur County, this State. Our subject was a 
second time married, Jul}- 2, 1863, Miss Sarah 
Heacock being the other contracting party. She 
was born in Ohio, and is the daughter of John G. 
and Rachel (Peterson) Heacock, the former a na- 
tive of Pennsjdvania and the latter of Ohio. Mr. 
and Mrs. Heacock were both members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Cliurch. Of this latter union three 
children have been born : William IL, now in Min- 
nesota; Eddie and Rachel E., both living at home. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Sliields are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is the 
proprietor of six lots in Edd3'villc, and also owns 
320 acres of good farming land iu Decatur County. 
He has been a member of the School Board and 
also of the City Council of Eddy ville. 

Isaac Shields began life a poor boy, but by 
economy and industry has succeeded in accumu- 
lating a sufficiency to enable him to retire from 
active labor and pass the sunset of life in peace 
and quiet. He is a Republican in politics, and has 
always advocated the freedom of the races, and 
fifty years ago assisted the British Government in 
the freedom of the slaves on the Island of Jamaica. 



eOLUMBUS N. UDELL, M. D., a prominent 
and successful jihjsician of Blakesburg, was 
born in Guernsey Countj', Ohio, on the 
^1 15th of February, 184-2. He is consequently in 
the prime of life, and, it is hoped, has many years 
of usefulness before him. His father, Dr. N. Udell, 
is a graduate of the College of Physicians and 
Surgeons, at Keokuk, and located in Appanoose 
County in l»-t8. His practice extended over South- 
ern Iowa into Northern Missouri, and he located at 
Cedarville, whence, in 1884, he removed to Con- 
cordia, Kan. He has been President of the Des 
: Moines \'alle3- Medical Association, and member 
of the State and American Associations. He was 
ij ^jTiTJM born in Pennsjdvania in 1817, and in earl}' man- 





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|il hood was Tuarried in Monroe County, Ohio, to Miss 

I Eliza Pa3'ne. They became the parents of five 

ciiildren, of whom our subject was the eldest : Alice 



A. became the wife of E. E. Swearngin, of Con- 
cordia, Kan. ; Addison S. is a clerk in the wholesale 
drug-store of Blake, Bruce & Co., of Ottumwa, this 
State; John H. is engaged in mercantile pursuits 
in Concordia, Kan.; Ida E. married Kos Harris, an 
attorney at law. n{ Wichita, Kan. The wife and 
mother departed this life in 188.5. She was a lad}'- 
widelj' known and highly respected in this vicinit\' 
for her goodness of heart and sympathj' with the 
atHicted and distressed. She was a consistent mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and at her death 
was mourned liy a large circle of friends and ac- 
quaintances. 

Dr. Udell, Sr.. is still living, iu Concordia, Kan., 
and has been a man of mure than ordinar}- ability. 
He is an extensive reader, and keeps himself well 
posted on all matters of general interest, both in 
connection with his profession and in [Hiblie mat- 
ters. In 185.0 he ^vas elected to the State Senate 
of Iowa, in which he served with credit for three 
•terms, and since early manhood has been a useful 
member of the community wherever his lot in life 
has been cast. 

The subject of our sketch was only six 3'ears old 
wlien he came to Iowa with his parents. He re- 
ceived his earl}' education in the pioneer log school- 
house, and subsequeutl}' took a practical course of 
stud}' at Hiram College, at the time the late Presi- 
dent Garfield was President of that institution. At 
an early age he became greatly interested in the 
contents of his father's liltrary, and began to read 
medicine under the supervision of the latter. In 
the winter of 1807-68 he attended the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, and in the 
spring of the latter year hung out his shingle at 
Milledgeville, Appanoose Co., Iowa, subsequently 
graduating, and has been in active practice for a 
period of nineteen years, eight of which have been 
spent in Blakesburg, where he located in 1878. lie 
is a member of the Des Moines Valley State and 
American Medical Association, and occupies an 
enviable position among his brethren of the pro- 
fession in this locality. 

Dr. Udell enlisted, in 1.S62. in the 3d Iowa Cav- 
alry, served in that regiment for seventeen months, 
and then re-enlisted as a veteran in the 8th Iowa 
Cavalry, and served in tiiis until the close of the 



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war. He was engaged in the battles of Pea Ridge, 
P'lanklin, Nasliville, Teun., and the Hood raid 
through the same State ; he was also at Pulaski, 
Columbia, Florence, Ala., Buzzard's Roost, Lost 
Mountain, and a great many small skirmishes. He 
enlisted as a private, and was discharged as Second 
Lieutenant. 

Dr. Columbus N. Udell and Miss Harriet C. 
AVilson were married in C'entcrville, Iowa, Dec. 16, 
1868. Mrs. U. is the daughter of T. O. and Mary 
(Capp) Wilson, natives respectively of Virginia 
and Ohio, who emigrated to Iowa in 1856. Dr. 
and Mrs. Udell have become the parents of seven 
children, viz. : Myrtle ()., Orren O., Lola P., Roy 
C, Valena H., Zarelda M. and Mary G. Our sub- 
ject and his family occupy a handsome residence, 
which in all respects is indicative of refined tastes 
and ample means. They enjoy the friendship and 
esteem of a large circle of acquaintances, which 
embrace the best class of peoi)le in the city. 

—>> ..o«^.-@v><v®-.o4o <v-- 




W. RIGGS, engaged in the milling busi- 
ness at Edd3'ville, is a native of Connecti- 
cut, and was born in 1826. He accom- 
panied his parents to Ohio when he was 
quite young, and in 1837 went with them to In- 
diana. There he continued to reside, engaging the 
while in agricultural pursuits, until he came to 
Henry County, this State, the date of his settlement 
being 1855; He came to this county in 1865, and 
here learned the business in which he is at present 
engaged. 

Mr. Riggs is a sou of S. B. and Alraira (Short) 
Riggs, natives of Derby, Conn. The father was a 
shoemaker by trade, but followed farming during 
the latter years of his life. Mr. Riggs was married, 
in 1849, to Martha A. Spelman, a native of New 
York, and a daughter of O. Spelman, and to their 
union were given eight children, six of whom are 
now living, namely : Eva, wife of Andrew Baker, 
of Mahaska County ; L S., engaged in the lumber 
business at Eddyville; James H., editor of a paper 
at O'Neill, Neb.; Cora B., wife of J. H. Meredith, 
an attorney at law of the same place; E. S., living 
at home, and has part interest in our subject's mill; 



George D., residing in O'Neill, Neb., and engaged 
at the printer's trade. 

Mr. Riggs takes an active interest in educational 
matters, and has been a. member of the School 
Board of Eddyville for a number of j'ears, and also 
Alderman. His good wife departed this life in 
1869, aged thirty-nine years. He was again mar- 
ried, in 1873, to E. C. Armstrong, a native of 
Ohio. The milling business in which our subject 
is at present engaged was established in 1865 bj- 
Mr. Riggs and a gentleman hy the name of Spel- 
man. At that time there were only two pair of 
buhrs in the mill, but in 1880 it was rebuilt by our 
subject, and he now has four pair of buhrs, and is 
meeting with success in conducting the business. 

^ AMES H. VAN WINKLE has been a resident 
of the Hawkeye State for a period of forty- 
three years. He was born in Perry County, 
(j^JI/ Ind., in 1835, and is the son of James and 
Matilda (Henton) Van Winkle, who were both na- 
tives of Nelson County, Ky. Upon coming to 
Iowa they located in Jefferson County, whence 
they removed to Wapello, where the father died in 
January, 1876, aged eighty-three years, and the 
mother in 1862, at the age of sixty-two. Our sub- 
ject removed with his parents into Highland Town- 
ship, this county, in 1844, and settled with them 
on section 31. He remained under the parental 
roof until 1874, and then became the owner of a 
tract of land on section 6, which he still occupies. 
His farm consists of 102 acres, finely improved, and 
in a good state of cultivation, and in his later days 
he is enjoying the fruits of his early industry. 

Mr. Van Winkle was married, in 1866, to Miss 
Lettie J. Davis, the daughter of David T. and Lo- 
rinda (Baker) Davis, both natives of Kentuck3'. 
Her father was born in Madison County, in 1810, 
and was the son of Isaac and Jane (Jamison) Davis, 
both of Virginia. Mr. D. left his native State in 
1833, and came to Van Buren County, Iowa, where 
for six years he was engaged in farming. His wife. 
Miss Lorinda Baker, was also a native of iSIadison 
County, Ky., and became the mother of nine chil- 
dren, of whom one died in infancy. The record of the 







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others is as follows: Alexander died in 1882, aged 
forty-seveu years, leaving a family of six eliildren: 
Lettie J. is the wife of our subject; Jasper is farm- 
ing in Oregon; David M. is farming in Wayne 
County, Iowa; Sarah K. is the wife of Dr. J. W. 
Bates, of Oregon; William H. is farming in Davis 
County, Iowa; Maggie married Reuben Laiiman, of 
Davis County ; Isaac is teaching and farming in the 
same county. 

ISIr. A'an Winkle was the eighth of a family of 
eleven children, and in early life was trained to 
those habits of industry and economy which have 
been the secret of his later success. He has been 
prominent in tha affairs of his township for many 
3'cars, is warmly interested in educational matters, 
has held the various school offices, and is consulted 
upon matters pertaining to the general welfare of 
his community. Mr. and Mrs. V. are members of 
the Missionary Baptist Church. 



^- 



-€-*^- 




n N. ROGERS, a prominent and prosperous cit- 
izen and business man of Eldon, Iowa, was 
/ii born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1821, and is 
a son of Michael and Rachel (Sherwood) Rogers, 
natives respectively of Massachusetts and New 
York. They removed to the State of Ohio after 
their marriage, and located upon a farm in Belmont 
County, removing thence into Guernsey, when their 
son, our subject, was about eighteen 3'ears old; 
Here the father established a store of general mer- 
chandise, and engaged his son, I. N., as clerk. 
They operated together for a period of ten years, 
after which, in 1 849, our subject started west, crossed 
the ISIississippi, and engaged in mercantile pursuits 
in Burlington, Iowa, until 1851, and after the be- 
ginning of the late war. He then became a suttler 
of the 1st Iowa Cavalry, remaining with this regi- 
ment for two years, and finally going to Southwest 
Missouri he established himself in business at Clin- 
ton, removing thence to Bloomfield, this State, 
where he was occupied for ten years in the hard- 
ware trade. Mr. Rogers came to Eldon in the 
spring of 1884, and although his residence has been 
comparatively' brief he has already established a 
prosperous trade. His stock comprises a full line 



le-H' 



of hardware and stoves, the latter of which 
makes a specialtj'. " 

The marriage nf Mr. Rogers and Miss Sarah .M; , 
Gillett, of New York, was celebrated in 1843, in »!' 
Guernse^^ Count}', Ohio. Mrs. R. is the daughter i 
of Comfort and Caroline (Dodd) Gillett, and b ^ Ij 
her marriage with our subject has become the || 
mother of six children, as follows : Carrie is tho;^ 
wife of J. E. Tolfree, of Springfleld. j\Io. ; Alberrt^ 
is a locomotive engineer, having his home in Wy^ { 
more. Neb. ; Walter P. is a cattle dealer 



.f Ne= a 
braska: L. E. is a dentist of Ottumwa; ForresJ 




died in May, 1884, at the age of thirty yearsj 

Herbert is a clerk in his father's store at Eldun. -i 

Mr. and JNIrs. Rogers are members in good stand: i^ 

ing of the Congregational Church, and Mr. R. bej ^ 

longs to the 1. O. O. F., with which he has beeft 1 

connected for many vears. He has been a promi- h 

** ■ I 
nent man in the public affairs of Wapello Count>^:i 

and takes an active interest in everj- enterprise cal5;ji 

culatcd to promote the welfare of this locality? 

During his residence in Missouri he was Treasure}s| 

of Henry County for two years. His early educa; 

tion was obtained in the common schools of hig 

native town, and when he started out in the worlqf, 

he had nothing to depend upon but his own indusj 

try and perseverance. He is now accounted one 

of the best citizens of Eldon, and is rapidlj' accuj 

mul.ating a large circle of friends and acquaintances 

Michael Rogers, the father of our subject, was k. 

resident of Bloomfield during the latter years OE 

his life and closed his eyes upon the scenes of eartS 

at the advanced age of eighty-six years. The wifi 

and mother died in Licking County, Ohio, age(|; 

about sixty -five years. 



W. NICKLIN, engaged in general mer 
chandising at Eldon, Iowa, established hi 
business here in 1883, and in .Tuly, 188(||} 
took in as a jjartner Mr. .1. A. Trott, the busine: 
now being carried on under the firm name of Nick|;,i 
lin & Trott, their stock including dry-good^J 
groceries, boi>ts and shoes, hats and caps, etc. M^, 
Nicklin is a native of Tyler County, W. Va., an|, 
was bi)rn in 1857. His parents were William ^j 

, . h 

TTtH:-'.':.-::''."' , 









and Elizabeth (Smith) Niclvlin, natives of the same 
State. The subject of our sketch was reared on a 
farm until fourteen j^ears of age, and then attended 
the academy at Troy, Iowa, taking a three years' 
course, after which he commenced teaching school, 
which he followed for four years continuously in 
Van Buren and Davis Counties. He became a res- 
ident of Eldon in 1875, arriving here on the 17th 
of June. He was employed as a clerk by Mr. 
Hunnel, engaged in that business until Dee. 1, 1883, 
when he went into business for himself, as stated. 

Hr. Nicklin was married, July 14, 1883, to Miss 
Jennie M. Kelley, of Muscatine County, Iowa, and 
thej^ have become the parents of one child. Myrtle, 
now aged two and one-half years. Mr. Nicklin is Re- 
publican in polities, and a member of the Congre- 
gational Church, of which he is Ti-easurer. He also 
belongs to the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. He is a 
straightforward and energetic business man, and in 
all respects is considered one of the valuable citi- 
zens of this community. He has served as a mem- 
ber of the School Board and is a friend of temper- 
ance and morality, exerting his influence as oppor- 
tunity occurs for the promotion of every good and 
worthy object. 

The parental family of our subject consisted uf 
ten children, of whom eight are still living, all 
comfortably situated in life and most of them in 
homes of their own, being variously engaged. One 
brother is in the dry-goods l)usiness inOttumwa; 
one occupies a similar position in Fairfield, and an- 
other is a farmer of ^'an Buren County, where the 
father is still living on a farm. 



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AVID H. MICHAEL, a general farmer and 
stock-raiser of Center Township, owning 
240 acres of valuable land and residing on 
section 1, came into this count}' in 184(1, 
and is to-day living upon the land which he settled 
upon at that time. He is a native of Tennessee, 
having been born in Franklin County in 1819. 
His parents were Barnabas and Sarah (Johnston) 
Michael, natives of North Carolina and Virginia 
respectively. The former was descended from (Ger- 
man ancestry. The same year our subject was born, 



Feb. 14, 1819, the elder Michael moved into 11 
nois, locating in Montgomery County, anrl was 
very early settler of that section. D. H. was the 
reared on a farm, educated in the subscriptioii] 
schools, and at the age of sixteen moved with 
parents to Indiana, locating about twenty-fi 
miles north of Indianapolis. Here the son n 
mained, assisting his father for two years longeTjn^ji 
when, at the early age of seventeen, he left the pi|H ^ 
rental roof, and went into the world to work fo ^^ | 
himself. We next find him engaged in the milliu|(l i^;-! 
business, where for tlie following four years hijl ; J! 
labored in the mill, doing both grain and luml)^ jl j^: jj 
work. tig 

In 1844 our subject went to Knox County, Mo. {I }j 
where he engaged in farming until 1846, at whicfiS=^ 
time he came to Wapello County and located 
his present propert}', and with the exception of tw( 
years passed in Ottumwa, when serving as SherifiT : 
of Wapello County, has made this his home. Ii 
18,53 he was elected to the above-named office oiiw 
the Democratic ticket, and served two years. In} 
politics he has been a Republican since 1861. 1 
has served his community in numerous official i)0si (1 
tions, among them being a member of the Board o Ba^ 



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Supervisors for five years. He has a splendid farm } 
well improved, and is regarded as one of the leaiK^^ 
ingmen of the county. He is a radical ProhibitionlH^^ 
ist, and takes an active part in all public affairs. 
Mr. Michael was married, April 21, 1839, 
Elizabeth Shaul, a native of Hamilton, Ind., and 
daughter of Peter Shaul, a native of Virginifl' 
whose father was a native of France. By this un 
two children were born, namely, Sarah, who becam^^ 



31. 



the wife of Harvey Mulford, who was a member c|| 
the 17th Iowa Infantry, and was killed at the balj 
tie of Champion Hills; his widow died in 1><7(|11 



in IS/ ( 111:! ij 
iwa. MrlHi 



Lee J., the other child, is living at Ottum 
Michael died in February, 1843, and he was subse 
qnentl}' married, in 1844, to Zarilda Shaul, a siste 
of his first wife. Two years later he was calle* 
upon to mourn her loss. In 1848 he was married] 
to Jane Hull, a native of Malioning County, Ohio, 
and a daughter of John Hull, a native of Pennsyl-I 
•vania. To them have been born six children, 
namely, Ferris J., who died at the age of five years 
O. II., who w.as killed at the age of twenty-eigh 



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232 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 




b.v an explosion of mining powder; the explosion 
oc'Cui-reil while ilrilling- for the imrpose of develop- 
ing a mine at (liiiuiison. Col. : Hiram F., now liv- 
ing at Knipori.-i, Kan.; H. F., living atlionie; H. W., 
residing in Custer County, Meb.: L. J. was a sol- 
dier in the late war, enlisting in August, isr,2, in 
Company B, .'SCtii Iowa Vol. Inf. He served in 
that regiment about twelve months, and then went 
into a eolored regiment and w.as linally promoted to 
tlie raniv of Ca|)taln. serving three and a half years. 
Mr. M. and liis wife are members of the Methodist 
Fpiscopal Churcii. of which he is a Steward. 

K. K. C. I'YLK. |ihy.sician and snrgeon, has 
been a resident of Ottumwa for a period 
of two years, and snccessfully engaged in 
the practice of his profession. He occu- 
pies a liigh standing in the Hawkeye State as one 
of the best read and most skillful practitioners in 
tiie Mississi|)pi \':dlev. Dr. I'yle is a native of 
riiiladelphia. i'a., his birth occurring on the 7th 
day of June, 1<S2 1. He is the son of Joseph and 
.ALarj- (Ijcrkiiart) Pyle, both natives of the same 
State. His father was reared a Quaker, and de- 
scended from ancestors who came over from Fn- 
gland witii William Penn. Joseph Pyle was a 
preacher for many years among the Friends, but 
linally wandered away from liis first teaching, and 
was excluded from the community. He was after- 
ward solicited to acknowledge ins error and return 
to the Friends, but having rather resented tlieir 
former action, he declined to return to tliem. 

When our subject was a lad of twelve years old 
his parents removed from Pennsj'lvania and joined 
a (Quaker settlement in Richmond, Ind., where he 
grew to manhood, reared in the Quaker faith, and 
e<lucated in the subscription schools. He was a 
liright and studious boy, and in early 3'outh Ijegan 
to mark out his plans for the future. Since he be- 
gan to think seriously upon tliis future it had 
been his wisli to become a pliysician like his 
brother-in-law, .1. W. .Salter, but this plan his 
mother liad always opposed. He was determined, 
however, to .adopt the profession, and at the age of 
eigiiteeu commenced studying with this end in 



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view. He started out .as an allopath, but, after be- 
coming acquainted with the principles of tiie 
iiomeopathic system, he identified himself with the 
latter, and has practiced under its methods since 
that time. After completing a thorough course of 
study, the j^onng physician commenced the practice E 
of his profession in Richmond, Ind., and was uui- 3 
f<jrmly successful from the start. He has always ; 
been opijosed to severe measures in treatment and :• 
to nauseating medicines, and in the course of his g;:|i 
practice has largely' resorted to magnetism, with 
rtattering results. 

Dr. Pyle was married in Long Island, N. Y., in 3;i 
1.S4S, to Miss Phiebe Wiggins, and they became rji 
the parents of three children: Mary E. is the wife : 
of A. M. Beaty, of Wilson County, Kan. ; Joseph 5 
W. is a resident of Centerville, Iowa, and Frank : 
II.. of ottumwa. .Airs. Pha»be W. Pyle remained : S 
the comi>anion of her husband for only seven years, : [u 
departing this life at Richmond, Ind., in 18,55. She : t| 
was a descendant of Quaker ancestry, and adhered : \ 
religiously to the faith of her childhood. After ; W 
the death of his wife Dr. Pyle removed to Keokuk, : jj 
Lee County, where he pi'acticed his profession and 3;^^ 
also engaged in real-estate business for one year. ;' J 
He then returned to Richmond and remained until " "^ 
1 S(;2, tlience went back to Lee County, and the - ^ 

. . ' '^ 

followinu year was united in marriage with Miss : ^i 
Ada Wickersham, of Keokuk, who by her union : I^-i 
with our subject became the mother of three cliil- '■ ■ 
dren. Of these only two are living — Charles, a ;; 
physician of Jit. Sterling, Iowa, and Harry A., a ;i| 
jeweler of Ottumwa. 

In l.s(i6 Dr. Pyle went into Kansas, where he re 
sided until 1875. He then spent two years in Cen 
terville. Van liaren County, this State, and in : ^• 
1.SS4 became a resi<lent of Ottumwa. He lias ad- : ij'* 
ministered to the ailments of mankind without : W 
money and without |)rice. being one of those rare : ^- 
characters to whom the consciousness of doing good ;;H 
is ample reward. He is a strict temperance man, : H 
never having taken a drink of whisky in his life, ^ 
and is also a total abstainer from tobacco in any : \ 
form. 

Dr. Pyli^ has long been a prominent member of ;* 
the I. O. O. F., having been connected with the 
order for a period of thirty-eight years. He passed : :' 



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iTxirxxxxx: 



all the subordinate Chairs in Indianapolis, and 
represented Woodward Lodge No. 128 in the con- 
vention at Richmond. He now belongs to Lodge 
No. 230, at Ottumwa; he has always taken a deep 
interest in the success of the order and has been 
one of its most valued members. 




WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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^^^HOMAS TOOTHAKER, a self-made man, a 
successful farmer and stock-raiser, and one of 
the old pioneers of Wapello Count}', who yet 
lives to tell of the trials incident to its early settle- 
ment, he having been a resident of the county since 
1850, is following his avocation on his fine farm on 
section 19, Green Towuiship. Mr. Toothaker was 
born in Licking County, Ohio, .June 21, 1820, and 
is a sou of Nathaniel and Catherine (Campbell) 
Toothaker. The father was a native of Ohio, and 
the mother of .Scotland. The latter came to this 
country when quite young, and died when Thomas 
W.1S about seven years of age, in 1827, and is buried 
in Delaware County, Ohio. The father died Oct. 
21, 1872, having attained the venerable age of 
seventy-five years and eleven months. They were 
both membei's of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
for about fifty years, and were devoted Christians, 
always taking an active part in church affairs, and 
respected by all who knew them. 

The earl}^ life of our subject was passed on his 
father's farm, and in attending subscription schools. 
In 1842 he left the parental homestead to do for 
himself, and going West located in Van Bureu 
Countj^, Iowa. There he rented a farm and con- 
tinued to follow his calling in that county until 
18.50, in the meantime entering ninety acres of 
land in Wapello County. He subsequently settled 
on his homestead in Wapello Countj' and has there 
been a i-esident until the present time. He devel- 
oped his present farm from its original natural con- 
dition, and has brought it to a high state of culti- 
vation. 

Nov. 19, 1844, Mr. Toothaker was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary Ann Kisinger. She was born 
April 19, 1819, in Jefferson County, Va., and is a 
daughter of Ueorge and Nanc^' (McCormick) Kis- 



inger. Her father was born in Maryland, and her 
mother in ^'irginia. He was a member of the 
Metluiilist Episcopal Church, and she was raised a 
(Quaker, and the}' were both respected and honored 
citizens of the: community in which they lived. 
The father died Feb. 7, 1872, while in his eighty- 
sixth year, and his last resting-place is at Burling- 
ton, Iowa; the mother died in 18o2, aged fifty-six 
years, and is buried at Pittsburg, Iowa. Thomas 
Toothaker and wife are the parents of seven chil- 
dren: George and Nathaniel (twins) are farmers, 
and reside in Pottawatomie Count.v, Kan., both 
are married and have families; Catherine is the 
wife of Joseph Draper, a farmer of Ringgold 
County, Iowa; Martha J. is living at home; James 
is a farmer by calling, and a resident of Pottawat- 
omie County, Kan.; Benjamin is also a farmer, 
and resides in Ringgold County, Iowa; Mary E. 
lives at home; she is a teacher and graduate from 
the schools of Ottumwa. Two of the eldest sons 
and Benjamin were also teachers. 

Mr. and ]Mrs. Toothaker of this notice are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both 
take an active interest in advancing the cause of 
the Master. Our subject started in life with com- 
paratively nothing, and bj' industry and economy, 
coupled with good judgment, he has succeeded in 
accumulating a competency, which enables him to 
pass the sunset of life in peace and quiet, and re- 
tired from the active labors of life. They have 
given their children a good education, and look 
back upon their past with but few regrets. In 
politics Mr. Toothaker votes with the Denujcratic 
party. 



ETER REAM resides upon section 1. 
Agency Township, where he is engaged in 
general farming and stock-raising, and 
owns 122 acres of good land, all of which 
is under cultivation. He is a native of Stark 
County, Ohio, born Feb. 1, 1823, and is the son of 
Peter and Barbara A. (Smith) Ream, who were na- 
tives of Pennsylvania. In 1853 his parents moved 
to Indiana, where his mother died in 1855, and his 
father about 185^. The latter was a Methodist 





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234 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



F^piscopal minister, and a man of more than or- 
ilinary ability. 

Wliile living in Indiana, in ls.-)2, I'l'ter Ream 
and Sarah E. Shnman were united in niariiage. .She 
was born in Cumberland County, I'a.. Sept. 2.S, 
l.s;34, and was the daughter of Jonas and Hannah 
(Bonder) Shuman. Her parents moved fr<jni Penn- 
sylvania to Ohio in 1837, and lived there till 1847, 
when they moved to Indiana, where her father died 
in is.'ji;. He was a farmer and stock-grower, and 
:i man wiio enjoyed the respect and cunSdence of 
all who knew him. Her mother still made that 
State her home, but in 1871, while on a visit to 
Ohio, to see a sister who was at the point of death, 
she herself took sick, and died Jan. 7, 1872. Her 
remains were taken back to Indiana and buried by 
the side of those of her husband in the old ceme- 
terj' at Akron. 

Two children were born to ^Ir. and JNlrs. Ream, 
both of whom died in infancy. They raised a girl, 
Catharine Shuman, who subsequently married Jo- 
seph Watson, and is now living in Ohio. Louisa 
Ream was also reared by them ; she married Charles 
Naftger, but is now deceased. They also adopted 
a boy who took their name, and is now .married 
and living in Canton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Ream 
came to Wapello County in 1884. They are pro- 
liatloners of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Po- 
litically he is a Republican. 

ONRAD STOCKER, an enterprising farmer 
and stoek-raiser of Keokuk Township, and 
'^,' pleasantl}' located on section 4, on a farm of 
ninety-nine and one-half acres, is carrying on the 
different departments of his business intelligently 
and successfully, and enjoys in a marked degree the 
esteem and confidence of his fellow-townsmen. 
Our subject is a native of Tuscarawas County, 
Ohio, and was born Nov. 18, 1820, his parents be- 
ing Daniel and Christina (Stenger) .Stocker, natives 
of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. The}- 
removed from their native State across the Father 
of Waters to Iowa, in 1846, about the time it was 
admitted into the Union as a State. Theii' first kr- 
cation was in Monroe County, whence they re- 



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moved, in 18fil, to Wapello, settling in Keoku^ 
Township. 

About this time the Rebellion began to a.ssunji} 
alarming proportions, and Conrad, who had beejl} 
reared to sentiments of patriotism, proffered hjsj 
services for the defense of the Union, enlisting 3ih 
the 7th Iowa Infantiy. Their first rendezvous wgs 
at Burlington, where Mr. S. was mustei'ed into tlJe 
United States service. The regiment was thealj 
sent to St. Louis, where they were equipped far J 
service, and were soon afterward ordered to BirdJgJ 
Point, remaining there in camp for the next t\w 
months. While at Bird's Point Jlr. Stoeker wisj 
detailed as nurse at Mound Citj' Hospital, where lig 
served one j'ear, after which he was sent to his regi- 
ment, which was stationed at La Grange. Thej: 
soon afterward proceeded to luka, and from there 
went into winter quarters at Pulaski, Tenn. HereU 
Mr. S. suffered with an attack of rheumatism, anKH 
rather than be sent to the hospital, at his reques||& 
w,as detailed to the pioneer corps and put into tlsef} 
wagon-shops, where he assisted as well as he couWn 
in repairing ambulances and wagons for the spring] 
campaign. When that time arrived, in company] 
with Richard Il.ayes, our subject took charge of jt} 
w.agou train which was bound for Kingston, G|»;i 
At this point the train was divided, and a part seilti 
on to Rome, and soon afterward Mr. S. was sent fji \ 
his regiment, which was then in front of Atlaut^ 1 
His term of enlistment having expired, he receivejli 

" I 

his descriptive roll from Capt. Benjamin, anj^i 

started northward just as the battle opened, getting i 

awa}' just in time to escape the dangers of th.at tet-i 

rible siege. He was sent to Louisville, Ky., wheoei 

he received his honorable discharge, after giving Ifci 

his country- his faithful services for a period dfh 

three years. While in the service he was alwajEsi 

found at his post ready to do his duty, and receiveiJi 

the marked ajjproval of his superior olKcers. i\i 

When a little over eighteen years old, Feb. l5|i 

3'' I 
1839, Mr. Stocker was united in marriage with Missi 

Mary C. Ginther. Their wedding took place in Ohio,i 

and the}' have lived happily together for a peritfii 

of forty -eight years. Thej' became the parents ofi 

thirteen children, four daughters and nine sons, tliei 

record of whom is as follows : Daniel, the elde.-*,i 

is deceased; Louisa married Joseph Bader of thtsi 

isa 

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15 




WAPELLO COUNTY. 



fibunty; William is deceased; Jlary became the 
[vpfe of W. A. Hackett, of Appanoose County, 
)wa ; James is in Seward County, Neb. ; Thomas 
lives in this county; .John M. is a resident of 
ttumwa; George W. resides in this county; 
{fjarry L. is in Ottumwa; .loseph A., in Carroll 
unty; Rosanna died in infancj'; Edward M. is 
home; Sarah I. and Alfred died in infancy. 
„., The family residence is a model of convenience 
i||id comfort, and IMr. S. and his familj' are fully 
^joying the good things of this life. He has been 
ergetic, industrious and frugal, and is reaping 
e just rewards of his labors. Mr. and Mrs. S. are 
embers in good standing of the Main street 
lilethodist Episcopal Church of Ottumwa, and po- 
liStically our subject affiliates with the Republican 
rtj'. Socially he belongs to Clautman Post No. 



, G. A. R. 




-^>-^'>i:^?tV5:7<^<=-^ 



'S^^ETER NELSON, a resident of Chillicothe, 
1) in this county, is a fine representative of 
that enterprising, honest and industrious 
Scandinavian element which has so mate- 
Uy assisted in the development of the resources 
Sif the West. He was born in Sweden on the 15th 
January, 1848, and is the son of Jennisen and 
iKetty (Loda) Nelson, natives of the same country. 
iKhey emigrated to America in 18G8, landing in 
ew York City and* coming dii'ectly to Ottumwa, 
i]tj)wa. Here, two years later, Peter, our subject, 
1 Mid his brother, John, purchased lot No. 8, in 
lilock 7, and in 1871 erected a comfortable dwell- 
} lilg-house for their parents. This was one and a 
J^lf stories in height, and contained nine large 
J i:§oms, and in it the father and mother were eom- 
}E§rtabl3' established, and their wants carefully 
lifioked after by the affectionate sons. Here the 
f Esther died in 1869, and was buried in Monterville 
JQemetery in Polk Township; the mother lives in 
jClhillicothe. 

Jt Peter Nelson, of our sketch, in 1872, sold out 
JbSs interest in the homestead at Ottumwa and re- 
Jiiaoved to Chillicothe, where he engaged as fore- 
Jiinan of section 19 on the C, B. & Q. R. H., rnn- 
{liung east from Chillicothe, which position lie oc- 



cupied for ten years thereafter. In the fall of 
1881 he took charge of the track-laying on the 
O. & K. from Comstock to Carver, and also the 
placing of switches, continuing with this companj- 
for two years, after which he abandoned his con- 
nection with railroads. During these years he had 
been economical as well as industrious, and accu- 
mulated sufficient means to purchase a tract of 
land comprising fort}' acres lying just outside the 
limits of Chillicothe, and valued at 175 per acre. 
Upon this he subsequently erected a handsome 
frame dwelling, and in 1885 established the creamery 
with which he is .at present occupied. This is fitted 
up with all modern improvements, with engine, 
steam vats, patent churns and butter-worker, and 
is considered one of the best establishments of its 
kind in this section of the State. It has a capacity 
of 10,000 pounds of butter per month, which its 
proprietor ships to New York, Chicago, Denver, 
and other important points. The excellence of his 
products commends them at once wherever they 
are used, and from this Mr. Nelson reaps a hand- 
some income. 

The possessions which our subject now enjoj's 
are the result of his own industry and enterprise, 
and his entire property has been accumulated since 
he came to this country. He is a gentleman of in- 
telligence, and keeps himself well posted upon all 
matters of general interest. He takes a just pride 
in being the citizen of a country which places 
within the reach of the poor man the same oppor- 
tunities of advancement which it accords to the 
more fortunate, and is as patriotic in his thoughts 
and feelings as the genuine American-born citizen. 

The marriage of Peter Nelson and Miss Annie 
Johnson took place on the 14th of August, 1869, 
at Munterville, Iowa. Mrs. Nelson is a native of 
the same country as her husband, and came to this 
countiy (\'hen quite a child, in 1862, with her par- 
ents, whose family consisted of seven children. 
She remained under the parental roof until her 
marriage with our subject, receiving careful home 
training .and a fair education in the public schools. 
Her mother departed this life at Ottumwa in 1880, 
and her father died in Sweden. After first com- 
ing to this country her mother located in Chicago, 
where her two eldest sons died of cholera. She 






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was widely known and universally respected for 
her excellent personal traits of character, hei' rare 
\ irtues. and kind, womanly sympathy for the af- 
rlicted and distressed. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson became the parents of five 
children, as follows: Otto P., born Jul}- 21, 1871, 
died Sept. ol, 1872: Lillie F. was born in Chilli- 
cothe, Ajjril 11, 1874: Michael died in iufancj': 
Clara Z. was born in Chillieothe, July 1, 1877: 
Lewis P. was boiii Mov. 11, 1879, and died just 
one year from the (hy of his birth. Mr. and Mrs. 
Nelson arc members in good standing of the 
Lutheran Church, and socially our subject is a 
member of the L O. O. F. His excellent qualities 
liave been duly recognized by his fellow townsmen, 
who elected him a member of the Board of Alder- 
men in 188:5, and he has held other important posi- 
tions in matters pertaining to the welfare of his 
community-. Their handsome and attractive home 
is one of the pleasantest spots in the township, and 
l)<ilh Ml'. Nelson and his famil}- are held in the 
higliest respect by the community. His property 
lies in Cass Township on section 3(j, and invari- 
ably attracts the eye of the traveler passing through 
this vicinity. His business and other transactions 
are carried on in a straightforward and systematic 
manner, and the whole premises gives evidence of 
the thrift, prosperity and good judgment of the 
proprietor. 



f/AMES MrMl'LLIN, a farmer and stock- 
grower on section 24. Richland Township, 
was born in Columbiana Countj', Ohio, Dec. 
25, 1836, and is a son of Ananias and Marj- 
McMullin. The former was born in the State of 
New York, and was a stone and brick mason, re- 
moving with his parents to Ohio at a very earlj' 
da}'. About 1842 he moved to Parkersburg, Va., 
and from there to Pomeroy, Ohio, where he contin- 
ued to work at his trade. In 18.52 he moved to 
Ilender.son County, 111., where he remained until 
18()G, at which time he came to Wapello County, 
where he has since continued to reside. His wife 
died in Henderson Count}'. 111., in October, 1857. 
Our subject also came to Wapello Count}' in 18(56, 
and purchased 160 acres of land, where he has since 



continued to reside. In October, 1861, he enlisted 
in Co. H, 11th 111. Vol. Cav., commanded by 
Capt. John C. Knowlton. He was in the battle of 
Corinth, and was dischai'ged at that place on ac- 
count of disability contracted while in the service. 
On the 14th day of September, 1865, Mr. Mc- 
Mullin married Martha Neighbors, daughter of 
William and Melinda Neighbors. Of this union 
there were five children — Charles M., Effle M., 
William A., and Robert and Emma (deceased). 
The mother died in February, 1875, and Mr. Mc- 
Midlin subsequently married Margaret Johnston, 
widow of Solomon Johnston, and daughter of Wal- 
ter Story. Her father was an engineer, and ran the 
first engine that ran on the railroad from Baltimore 
to Wheeling, W. A'a. He was a master mechanic, 
following railroading for twenty-one years, and was 
killed Nov. 25, 1857, while overseeing the work of 
getting upon the track a locomotive that had been 
ditched. To this last union of our subject three 
children have been born — Walter S., James M. and 
Allie M. Mr. McMullin is the owner of 160 acres 
of good land, which is well improved. He and his 
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

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L. REINHARD, a highly respected citizen 
of Wapello County, occupies a comfortable 
homestead in Green Township, located on 
section 28, the property of his father. He is one of 
the younger citizens of the county, and was born 
here in 1855. liis parents being Henry and Eliza- 
beth Reinhard. He is engaged in general farming 
and has eighty acres of fairly cultivated land, upon 
which is a good dwelling-house and all necessary 
out-buildings convenient for the storage of grain 
and the shelter of stock. He has a good supply of 
farm implemeilts and, occupied with his peaceful 
pursuits, is fulfilling the duties of a good citizen, 
and as time and opportunity afford, casting his in- 
fluence in favor of temperance, education .and mo- 
rality. 

Mr. Reinhard was married, in December, 1881, 
to Miss Sarah J. King, also a native of Wapello 
County, and the daughter of Cyrus D. King, of 
Center Township. (.)f this union there have been 



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}^ born two children: Cyrus Henry, who died in 
MS September, 1883, aged seven months, and Yerdon 
I'jS George, born July 22, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. R. are 
J IS members in good standing of the Methodist Prot- 
l^ estant Church, and Mr. R. belongs to the I. O. O. F. 
He is also a member of (ireen Township Protective 
Society, and of the society called " Hobobs." ]Mrs. 
R. is a member of Rebecca Lodge. In addition to 
his general farming operations Mr. Reinh.ard is giv- 
ing considerable attention to the breeding of fine 
stock, making a specialty of Canadian-French 
horses, and is in possession of one especially fine 
}=S animal, which weighs 1,500 pounds. 

Mr. Reinhard takes an intelligent interest in the 
affairs of his township and county, and has been 
jp President of the School Board, beside occupj'ing 
other positions of trust among the councils of his 
townsmen. He is still a young man, full of enter- 
prise and plans for the future, and if permitted to 
live a long life, will contribute his share toward its 
labors and the fulfillment of its duties. 

R. A. C. OLNEY, of Eddyville, ranks 
among the pioneer settlers of Iowa, hav- 
ing come to Wapello County with his jjar- 
ents in 1846. He was born in Morgan 
E County-, Ohio, Oct. 13, 1817, and is the son of 
t Oman and Tryijhena (Cheadlo) Olney, his father a 
S native of Marietta. Ohio, bom .bine 23, 17'J5, and 
: his mother of Barnard, AVindsor Co., ^'l., born 
: Oct. 27, 17'.)8. They removed from Ohio to Mc- 
ij : Lean County, 111., in 1830, and thence in 184(i, to 
I : this county, where they remained the balance of 
ij C their lives. The father of our subject died March 
: 16, 1872, at the ripe age of seventj'-flve 3'ears, and 
ij ; the mother .Inly 16, 1867, aged sixty-nine years. 
^ : The subject of our sketch passed the years of his 
1. : earl}^ childhood and youth in his native State, and 
J pursued his primarj' studies in the common schools 
: of Morgan Couiit3', Ohio. After coming to Illi- 
; nois he entered Knox College at Galesburg, and 
5 was a gi'aduate of the first class which was turned 
: out of that institution. This was in .Tune, 1846. 
r After comijletiug his studies here he went into 
Heniy Count}', Iowa, and taught seliool during the 



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winters of 1846-47. Thence he removed to Jeffer- 
son County, Iowa, where he commenced the studj'^ 
of medicine in the office of Dr. W. W. Cottle, late 
of Fairfield, tliis State, and commenced the practice 
of his profession four years later at Chillicothe, in 
this county. Wishing, however, to perfect himself 
still further in the intricacies of his calling, he went 
to Keokuk and entered the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons, which was then called the Iowa Uni- 
versity. From this institution he graduated on the 
9th of February, 1853, and returning to Chillicothe 
resumed his practice, and continued there for the 
following twenty-five .years. He became prominent 
in the affairs of that vicinity, and was especially in- 
terested in educational matters, being at one time 
County Superintendent of Schools. He removed 
to Ottumwa on the 1st of January, 1878, and fol- 
lowed his profession until .lune, 1881, in the mean- 
time being Count>- Ph3'siciau and Coroner of Wa- 
l)elIo County for a jieriod of four j^ears. On the 
1st of June in the year last mentioned he removed 
to Eddyville, and in this citj', as elsewhere, soon 
became prominent in his profession, and a worthy 
and valued citizen. At the present time he is Cit}' 
Physician, with which position he has been honored 
for five j'ears past. 

Dr. Olnej- was united in marriage with Miss Eliza 
Ann Saunders on the 4tii of April. 1817. Mrs. O. 
was a native of AA'ood Count}% Va., born Sept. 30, 
1817, and departed this life in Chillicothe Feb. 4, 
1870. Of tills marriage there were born six chil- 
dren, of whom the record is as follows : George 
W. is a farmer of Ringgold County, Iowa; Try- 
phena L. is engaged as a milliner and dressmaker 
in Chillicothe; Susan M. married Ely Bailey, a 
railroad man. and they make their home in Chilli- 
cothe; Eliza Ann, Mrs. Jason Welsh, also lives in 
the latter-named city. 

Dr. Olne}' was married the second time, on the 
23d of October, 1 870, to Miss Frances A. Daines. 
The present Mrs. Olney was born in Carroll County, 
111., Oct. 7, 1839, and is the daughter of Caleb and 
Charlotte Daines; she was reared and educated in 
Illinois. Our subject and wife occupy a handsome 
residence in Eddyville, located on Third street, and 
enjoy the esteem of a large circle of friends and 
acquaintances. The Doctor has been successful in 



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his practice in this county and ranks among the 
Jeadiug physicians. He is a member of Chillicothe 
JLodge No. 11.'). I. (). O. F., and the Wapello Medi- 
cal Society, also the I)es Moines ^■nlle3• Medical 
ssociation, and is a |)ermauent member of the 
o«a State Jledical Association. The Doctor never 



5} fails to vote the Repnl)licaii ticket. 



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R. MITCHEL, M. 1^., an esteemed mem- 
ber of the medical profession of Ottumwa, 
is a native of Springfield, 111., and was born 
on the 14th of April, 1S2G. He is the son 
|j>f Payton and Elizabeth (Briggs) Mitchel, the 
"" ather a native of Hampshire Connty, Va., and the 
iiother of Kentucky. They were married in the 
litter State in 1812, and at an early day emigrated 
j to Springfield, 111., where they remained until 1827, 



Mt.hcncp went into McLean Count}', settling at Dan- 
'^ n ?ers, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. They 
1^. located upon a tract of unimproved land, which 



q— Rjchey improved and cultivated successfully, and es- 
q K tablished a comfortable homestead, where they lived 



e remainder of their days. They were people 
jjiighly respected in their comnuinity, and promi- 
jlientl}' connected with the Cumberland rresb3'ter- 
jl an Church. 

\^jg- Dr. Mitchel was reared on the farm of his parents 
riuid received a fair education in the common 
___j».hools, which was supplemented by attendance at 
J^^ !jtellogg's Institute, in Tremont, Tazewell County, 
kill., where he toolc a three years' course, in the 
1 lieantime pursuing his studies with unremitting 
I Interest and attention. He had first intended to 
■^eeome a civil engineer, but the state of his health 
{compelled hiui to abandon this project, and he con- 
uded to devote himself to the study of medicine, 
e accordingly' entered the office of Dr. E. K. 
uthei-s, of Bloomington, and in the winter of 

fl 853-54 attended a full course of lectures at Rush 
JNIedical College, Chicago, and soon afterward cu- 





red upon the practice of his profession at Bowl- 
eg Green, 111. 

In 1855 Dr. Mitchel went to Franklin Count}', 
being one of a few who assisted in the organization 




of the county, and was elected as the first Clerk of 
the Court. He was subsecjuently elected County 
■Judge, serving a term of two years, and transact- 
ing all the business of the count}'. In the spring 
of 1862, during the progress of the late Civil War, 
he was appointed Acting Assistant Surgerm of the 
United States Army, and was connected with the 
service until 1864. While in this locality he took 
occasion to attend a course of lectures at the St. 
Louis Medical College, from which he gi-aduated 
March 4, 18(54. That same year he came to Ot- 
tumwa, and entered upon the practice of his pro- 
fession, which he has followed continuously in this 
city for a period of twenty-two years. 

The marriage of Dr. S. R. Mitchel and Miss Fan- 
nie Stoddard took place in Franklin County, Iowa, 
in the fall of 1862. Mrs. M. is a native of Litch- 
field, Conn., and was born in 1837. Of her union 
with our subject there were born six children, only 
three of whom survive, viz., Clara, Mary and Fan- 
nie. Jlrs. Fainiie Mitchel, after remaining the 
faithful companion of her husband for twelve years, 
departed this life on the 12th of February, 1874. 
She was a highly esteemed Christian lady, and an 
earnest and sincere member of the Episcopal 
Church, in which she had been reared. 



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EFFERSOX WILLIAMSON, M. D., the 
subject of this sketch, was born in Adams 
County, Ohio, March 31, 1827. He I'eceived 
(^^7/ a thorough common-school education, which 
was supplemented with a two years' course under 
Prof. Robert Buck, of West Union, Ohio. His 
medical preceptor was Dr. H. G. Jones, and his de- 
gree of M. D. was taken at the Medical Depart- 
ment of the Western Reserve College at Cleveland, 
Ohio, class of 1852. In May following he was 
united in marriage to Miss Sarah N. Jones, of Wil- 
mington, same State, and in November of that year 
(1852) they came to Iowa, and have made Ottumwa 
their home to this date. Their only child, JIaggie, 
was married to Mr. A. J. Colt, Sept. 21, 1881. 

Dr. Williamson is one of the leading physicians 
of Southern Iowa and is well known to the profes- 
sion throughout the State. He has remained stead- 






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J:; fastly in the practice and at the same time has been 
: an earnest student, not alone of medicine, but in 
ti the broader fields of science and philosophy as well. 
[p His contributions to medical science may be found 
in the current journals and in the published trans- 
actions of the Iowa State Medical Society. Among 
h : the subjects treated may be mentioned articles on 
{ :| insanity, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and perineal 
^ rupture. 

: Dr. Williamson was Vice President of the State 
\ti Society in 1805 and President in 1873. He is a 
\li member of the American Medical Association, and 
m an officer of the International Medical Congress to 
m be held in Washington, D. C, in September, 1887. 
He is President of the Ottumwa Loan and Build- 
ing Association, and also President and Medical 
Director of the Iowa Mutual Aid Association. He 
takes an active interest in all matters affecting the 
public welfare. In politics Dr. W. is a Republican, 
and prior to the organization of that party was an 
Abolitionist. He is an independent thinker and a 
forcible writer. 







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ARIS CALDWELL, a prominent citizen of 
the county, is a farmer and stock-grower 
on section 14, Center Township. The de- 
sirability and value of Mr. Caldwell's place 
il is largelj' enhanced by its close proximity to the 
i;^ business center of the city of Ottumwa. His farm 
comprises 120 acres, about fiftj'-four of which are in 
the corporation. He is one of the few pioneers of 
1843 that are j^et left in Wapello County. He was 
born in Ohio County, Va., March 13, 1818, and is 
a son of John and Sarah (Mulligan) Caldwell. 
?.J The former was a native of Scotland, and died 
« when Paris was but eleven months old. 

The subject of this sketch came from his native 
ii; State to Burlington, Iowa, in 1841, where he re- 
mained seven mouths, and then went to what is 
M.E now Davis County', Iowa, and remained there until 
^'1 May, 1843, when he came to Wapello Countj% 



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I made claim to the land on which he now resides, 
; and which he afterward purchased from the Gov- 
: ernment. For two years after coming to AVapello 



County he lived a bachelor's life. He was then 
united in marri.age to ^Margaret Hackney, daughter 
of William and Ellen Hackney, of Virginia. She 
was born Dec. 22, 1824, and died Nov. 26, 1863. 
To this union there were eight children born : John 
R., who married Clara J. Jordan, and now lives in i 
Kansas City, Mo. ; Sarah R., deceased ; Clara A. is p 
the wife of Edward Graves, living in Joplin, Mo. ; 
Mary F., deceased ; Anna L. is the wife of Newton 
Arrison, living on her father's place ; Charles S., 
deceased; Joseph S., living at St. Joseph, Mo.; 
Cassius C, deceased. Mr. Caldwell, after the 
death of his first wife, contracted a marriage with 
Mrs. Walker, widow of William Walker. She was 
born Oct. 8, 1825, and died Sept. 17, 1877. To 
this union there was one child born, Blanche, now 
living with her father. 

Mr. Caldwell is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, and i)olitically is a Republican. When he 
first came to Iowa it was yet a Territory, and so 
remained for five years. For fourteen years after 
his arrival, there was not a mile of railroad in all 
the State. The only means of conveyance was by 
water or by the slow going ox-team, or that of the 
not much faster horses. The Indians j^et existed 
in great numbers, and that portion of the territory 
now comprised in the county of Wapello was al- 
most unknown, there being only the Indian agency 
at what is now called Agency City. The changes iRli 
that have since taken place it is hardly possible for | 
man to realize. In not one of the ninety-nine ^^ 
counties of the State but what the seat of justice is 
penetrated by tlie railroad, the markets of the 
world are brought to our very doors and the news 
of the world is given to us da}' by day, almost as 
soon as the events occur. 

Mr. Caldwell is one of those men we find so 
thickly scattered over Iowa, and who undoubtedly 
form the best element of her society, and who were 
reared under the beneficent influences of the schools, 
and refinement of the society of the older settled 
States. Such men are well equipped to go forth 
and open up a new empire. They could lay its 
foundations broad, deep and solid, so that the 
colossal edifice of a great commonwealth might be 
reared upon it without hazard to the highest pinna- 
cle to which Government or human society reaches. 



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I irrx trt« riiTTT FrVi i Xr xt^ rr"; - 



TTAPELLO COUNTY. 



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To those people, Iowa to-day largely' owes her 
greatness, and to this class the subject of this sketch 
belongs. As one of the representative pioneers of 
tiie county, we place the portrait of Mr. Caldwell 
in this volume. 



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'^fJAMES McADAMS, of Cass Township, is 
prosperously engaged in farming and stock- 
raising on section G, where he owns and oc- 
pies an attractive homestead, and as a citizen 
enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellow-men. 
He is a descendant of stanch and warm-hearted 
Irish ancestry, and is himself a native of Erin's 
Green Isle, having been born near Belfast in the 
year 1807. His parents were William and Han- 
nah (Brown) McAdams, who passed their entire 
lives in their native Ireland. Our subject remained 
in his native country- until 1835, and then resolved 
to emigrate to the New World. He accordinglj' 
set sail, and after a voyage of several weeks, landed 
in New York Citj-, whence, after one week he pro- 
ceeded to Philadelphia, and thence to Baltimore, 
where he remained for six months. He then went 
into the agricultural district of Somerset County, 
Pa., where he engaged in farming for a few sea- 
sons, and from there proceeded to Ohio, where, 
after a few months spent in various pursuits, he en- 
gaged as a boatman on the Mississippi and Ohio 
Rivers until 1861. The Civil War then being in 
progress, he embarked on a Government vessel and 
was wounded while on dut^', from whieli wound he 
has never fully recovered. 

Mr. ilcAdams made his first visit to Wapello 
County in 1855, and then entered 400 acres of 
land, which he has since brought to a fine state of 
cultivation. The homestead now comprises 300 
3 acres, and the residence and other farm buildings 
1 are substantial structures full}- in keeping with the 
a character and enterprise of the proprietor. Mr. 
McAdams has given considerable attention to 
stock-raising, and keeps a goodl}' number of high 
grade animals. 

The marriage of James McAdams and Miss 
Emma Hover took place on the 10th of January, 
1864, in Cass Township. The wife of our subject 



was born Feb. 18, 1846, in Indiana, and was the 
daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Doughert}-) Hover, 
the former a native of Pennsj'lvania, and the 
mother of Irish ancestrj'. Mr. and Jklrs. McAdams 
became the parents of nine children, a record of 
whom is as follows: William was born Feb. 25, 
1866; James F., Sept. 10, 1867; Mary M., May 11, 
1869; Daniel, Jan. 10, 1871 ; Elvira died in infancy, 
John F. was born June 17, 1875; Florence, Oct. 
10, 1877; Thomas died in infancy; Lewis J. was 
bom June 11, 1886. The family are regular at- 
tendants of the Christian Church, of which our sub- 
ject and his wife are members in good standing. 
Mr. McAdams is the friend and encourager of edu- 
cation, morality and religion, and is in all respects 
fulfilling the duties of a good citizen. He has 
added materially to the business and industrial in- 
terests of this section, and has set an example 
worthy of imitation by the young men of Wapello 
County. 

This gentleman, though born across the ocean, 
was one of the earlj- pioneers of AVapello County. 
He has given the best efforts of his life to the build- 
ing up of the community in which he now lives, 
and developing the agricultural resources of Wa- 
pello County. As one of her most highlj- respected 
citizens, we take pleasure in presenting his portrait 
in connection with this brief outline of his life. 



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i^ILLIAM N. B. SPURLOCK, a well-to-do 
farmer of Pleasant Township, Wapello 



County, and also a minister of the Chris- 
tian Church, in which denomination he has been 
Elder since 1846, was born in Bedford Count}', 
Ala., in 1817. The parents of our subject were 
Matthew and Lucretia (Sellers) Spurlock. Matthew 
Spurlock was an Elder in the Christian Church, and 
was also a preacher in that denomination for a 
number of years, and followed the latter profes- 
sion until his death. That event occurred in Iowa, 
and he and his good wife lie buried side by side in 
the cemetery at Abingdon. 

The subject of this brief notice formed a matri- 
monial alliance with Miss Elizabeth Ann Mason, 
Oct. 4, 1839. She was the daughter of Samuel and 



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5 Mary (Spear) Mason, and was born in Spencer 
County, Ind., Maj- 1, 1820. Her father was a 
farmer, and both himself and wife departed this 
life in Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Spnrlock have had 
born to them eleven children : Inez T., born May 
8, 1840, is married and lives in Cloud County, Kan. ; 
Loranza, born March 4, 1841, died April 3 of the 
same year; Sarah J., born Feb. 22, 1842, departed 
this life while a resident of Missouri; Mary A., 
k - born May 18, 1844, is the wife of George Forne3', 
i and they are living in Ottawa County, Kan. ; Lu- 
I cretia E., born Feb. 18, 1847, died March 17, 18G9; 
J George "\V., born Aug, 9, 1848, is a Benedict and 
?c lives in Eagle Grove, Wright County, this State; 
Jl Lutitia A., born Dee. 11, 1851, is the wife of John 
M Edwards, and thej- reside in Republic County, 
Kan.; Burnetta A., born June 4, 1854, was united 
in marriage with Daniel Smith, and thej- are living 
in Livingston County, Mo. ; Columbus F. was 
born June 2, 1857; Delcina C.,born July 17, 1860, 
became the wife of Albert Davis, and they are liv- 
ing in Bladensburg, this county ; Ira M., born Aug. 
24, 1866, died Nov. 2, 1870. Mr. Spnrlock is the 
sf proprietor of three acres of land, on which he has 
erected a good and substantial building, and de- 
votes his attention to the raising of small fruit. 
He is also engaged quite extensivelj' in the manu- 
facture of sorghum. In politics he votes the Re- 
publican ticket. 



E 



M. FAUSNAUGH, of the grocery and pro- 
vision firm of Fausnaugh <fe Hall, at Eddy- 
ville, is a native of the Buckeye State and 
was born in 1842. He is the son of Adam and 
Amelia (Cadwalader) Fausnaugh, the former a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Our 
H; : subject came to this countj' in June, 1854, and lo- 
cated in Eddyville, where his mother had settled a 
year previous. E. 31. was educated in the public 
schools of Eddj'viUe, and there remained until sev- 
enteen j'ears of age. 

In 1 860 our subject left the parental home and 
made a trip to Oregon with an ox-team. He was 
five and a half months on the road, and he I'e- 
mained nine years in Oregon, Washington Terri- 



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tory and Idaho, engaged in mining and trading and 
also in working in a store. Returning to this 
count}' in 1869, he continued to live here until 
1873, when he went to Colorado, and was there en- 
gaged in mining for about a j-ear. He then re- 
turned, and in 1877 went to California, and after 
an absence of about a year in that State he re- 
turned to Eddyville and accepted a position as 
Deputy Postmaster. This he held until 1879, when 
he was appointed Postmaster, and continued in that 
position until September, 1885, when he engaged 
in the business in which he is at present. The firm 
of Fausnaugh & Hall do a general grocery, provis- 
ion and queensware trade, and their place of busi- 
ness is on Bridge and Second streets, the dimensions 
of their room being 24x60 feet. 

Mr. Fausnaugh was united in marriage with 
Adeline Porter, in 1871; she is a native of Ohio. 
Our subject's father departed this life in 1849, in 
Ohio, and his mother is yet living and resides at 
iSIarshalltown, Iowa; she is sixtj'-seven years of 
age. 



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EL. ELLER, Postmaster of Competine, and 
also engaged in mercantile pursuits, has 
been a resident of this section since 1852. 
He is a native of North Carolina and was born Jan. 
10, 1846, his parents being John and Jane (-Mont- 
gomerj') Eller, natives of the same State as their p ; .i] 
sou, the father born in 1822, and the mother in 
February, 1827. They are still living, and reside 
near Harvard, Neb., where the father is engaged in _M,jj^ 
farming. 

The subject of our sketch was the eldest of a 
family of eight children, five sons and three daugh- 
ters. He came with his father to Iowa, and they 
made their first location in Jefferson County. He 
remained under the parental roof until he arrived 
at the age of twenty-three 3'ears, and then set out 
to do for himself. He proceeded southwest into *®?J 
Kansas and pre-empted 1 GO acres of land in Wilson 
County, cultivating his claim in summer and teach- 
ing school in winter, and remained there about 
eighteen months, when he traded his land for town 
property at Altoona, Kan. In 1881 he returned to 
the home of his father in Jefferson County, Iowa, 



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244 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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and after a residence of two years there came into 
Wapello Count}', and engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits in Competine Township. He was appointed 
Postmaster in 188:3, and has filled the duties of 
his position with credit to himself and satisfaction 
to all concerned. 

On the 10th of November, '1881, our subject 
was united in marriage with Miss Emma V., daugh- 
ter of W. D. and Sarah (Van Valtenberge) Peck, 
natives of New York. Of this union there have 
been born two children: Rolla, Aug. 2, 1882, 
who died in October, 188.'), and a boy unnamed, 
born Nov. 12, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Eller are con- 
nected with the Mission Baptist Church. Politi- 
cally he is strongly Republican, and a member in 
good standing of the A. F. & A. M. 

ON. F. M. EPPERSON, of the firm of Man- 
ning & Epperson, of Eddyville, is engaged 
successfully with his partner carr3'ing on a 
trade in general merchandise. The business 
was established in 1871, and they carry a stock of 
112,000, their trade extending throughout the 
greater portion of this section of the State. 'Sir. 
Epperson has been prominently identified with the 
interests of this community since coming here in 
February, 1861, and is one of its most valued citi- 
zens. 

The subject of our sketch is a native of Pulaski 
County, Ky., and was born Nov. 14, 1841. He is 
the son of Andrew and Locke^^ (Coomer) Epper- 
son, both natives of East Tennessee, and after first 
coming into Iowa settled in Marion County, upon 
the site of what is now the town of Bussey, and 
there engaged in farming. The following year, in 
the month of August, the Rebellion having then 
begun to assume alarming proportions, he enlisted 
as a soldier in the Union army, becoming a member 
of Co. D, 36th Iowa Vol. Inf. With his regiment 
he participated in the various battles and skirmishes 
in which it became their dut}' to engage; was with 
the Yazoo expedition, and at the battles of Helena, 
Ark., Little Rock and Camden, and in the spring 
of 1864, during the engagement at Mark's Mill, 





Ark., was captured bj' the rebels and confined ten 
months at Camp Ford in Tyler, Tex. He was ex- ; 

changed in February, 1865, and was granted a fur- 
lough of tliirt\' days. He then rejoined his regi- 
ment at St. Charles, Ark., where it was re-organized, 
and Mr. Epperson was made Orderly Sergeant and 
served .as such during the remainder of his term of 
enlistment. He served until the close of the war, 
being mustered out at Devall's Bluff, Ark., in 
August, I 86o. 

After returning from the army Mr. Epperson en- 
g.aged as clerk in a store at Eddyville until 1871. 
He then formed a partnership with Jlr. E. Manning, 
and they have continued to operate together until 
the present time. In 1879 they started a bank in 
connection with their business, which is still contin- 
ued and has proved a good investment. Mr. Epper- 
son has had the contrfJ of the entire business since 
its beginning. In the fall of 1879 he was elected 
to the Eighteenth General Assembly of the State of 
Iowa, and re-elected to the same position two j'ears 
later. He became prominent in matters of legisla- 
tion, and was appointed Chairman of the Commit- 
tee (in Appropriations, beside holding other respon- 
sible places. He has been School Treasurer of 
Eddyville for eight years, also City Treasurer, and 
is at present a member of the City Council. He 
takes a lively interest iu public matters, both local 
and general, and is one of the most valued citizens 
of the community. 

The subject of our sketch was married to Miss 
Louise O'Hara, on the 8th of June, 1875. Mrs. E. 
is a native of Wisconsin, and the daughter of Samuel 
and Louisa (Mayham) O'Hara, both natives of 
New York. Of this union there have been born 
three children : Frank, .June 13, 1876; Elbert, Feb. 
5, 1882, and Arthur, Nov. 3, 1886. 

The father of our subject died in Kentucky at 
the age of sixty-eight years. He was a farmer by 
occupation, a man of energy and industry, and es- 
tablished a comfortable home for his family in the 
Blue Grass State. The mother died when her son, 
F. M., was a lad of ten years. He received his 
early education in the common schools at Beech 
Grove, in his native State, and was reared to farm- 
ing pursuits. His early life peculiarly fitted him 
for the duties of later years, and developed in him 



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those qualities which have constituted a thorough 
business man and an honorable and upright citizen. 
Mr. E. in politics is Republican, and socially is a 
member in good standing of the A. F. & A. M., 
having reached a high position in the order. 



^/OHN M. RUPE, engaged in farming and 
stock-raising on section 27, Keokuk Town- 
ship, was born in this county, Sept. 9, 1845, 
^£^i and is a sou of L. Z. and Mary M. (Smith) 
Kiipe, natives of Ohio. John M. Rupe spent the 
earlj' years of his life on a farm, assisting in the la- 
bors thereon, and in attending the district schools. 
He supplemented his common-school education by 
an attendance of two terms at McElroy's Semin- 
ary, and was engaged in teaching during the win- 
ter of 1860-61. 

Feb. 18, 1863, our subject enlisted in Co. E, 
36th Iowa Vol. Inf. After the regiment had 
started on the Little Rock, Ark., expedition, he 
was taken sick with the measles, with which he was 
confined for about three weeks. After his recovery 
he was placed on provost duty and also guarded 
prisoners for about eight months. He was then 
sent from Little Rock to Ft. Smith, but the boat 
stuck on a sand-bar and lay there for three weelvs, 
during which time they were constantly menaced 
by rebels firing at them behind the trees. After 
they had freed their boat from the bar and were 
once more fairly on their way to Ft. Smith, they 
struck a second sand-bar, and again were three 
weeks confined there. They then succeeded in get- 
ting their boat off the bar, and went back to Little 
Rock. From the latter city our subject went to 
St. Charles, after which he returned with his regi- 
ment to Little Rock, and then went to Camp Price. 
Thence the regiment was sent to Davenport, where 
it was discharged Sept. 6, 1864. 

Returning home, Mr. Rupe engaged in farming 
and stock-raising, and the following year, May 20, 
1865, he was married to Mary J. Gee, a daughter 
of Solomon and Hannali (Donuelson) Gee. Her fa- 
ther was a member of the same compan3' and regi- 
ment as our subject, and died from disease con- 
tracted while in the arm}', in 1862. Her mother is 



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living at Ottumwa. Mr. and Mrs. Rupe liave be- 
come the parents of six children : Thayer, born 
June 14, 1867; Wayne, Dec. 16, 1868; Drake, Dec. 
2, 1870; Guy, July 8, 1878; Lewis, born Oct. 26, 
1874, died Sept. 29, 1886, and is buried at Mars 
Hill Cemetery, this county; Pearl, born July 5, 
1885. Mr. Rupe has held various offices and is a 
member of the G. A. R., belonging to Clautman 
Post No. 69, of Ottumwa. Mr. Rupe is at present 
the proprietor of 120 acres of good farm land, all 
of which is under an advanced state of cultivation. 
In politics he is a Greenbacker. 

p. TORRENCE, M. D., a successful and 
popular physician of Green Township, is a 
native of Palmyra, Mo., born in 1847, and 
the son of Dr. John and Sarah (Sprott) Torrence, 
natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. 
His father is still engaged in the practice of his 
profession, and stands high among the profession in 
his localit}^ He is at present consulting physician 
in St. Peter's Hospital, at Quincy, 111. In 1832 he 
removed from his native State, settling upon a 
farm near Palmyra, Mo. His son, our subject, 
was there educated in the public schools, and after- 
ward took a course in the Christian University 
at Columbia, Mo. He also spent two terms in 
the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, 
from which he graduated in 1870, and commenced 
the practice of his profession at Rockport, 111., re- 
maining there only one year, when he received an 
appointmeut in the city hospital of Quiucj', 111., 
where he was occupied for nearly three years as 
ward nurse, finally becoming resident physician. 

At the expiration of his engagement here, Dr. 
Torrence spent the winter of 1875-76 in attend- 
ance at the American Medical College, of St. Louis, 
and then 'located at Ash Grove, Davis Co., Iowa, 
where he remained until 1883, when he came to 
Ormanville, and since that time has been success- 
fully engaged in the practice of his profession, and 
takes his recreation in superintending the cultiva- 
tion of forty acres of valuable land near the city 
limits, of which he has been the owner for some 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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years. He also o'mis ten acres within the corpora- 
tion. 

Dr. Torrence was niiited in marriage with Miss 
Mary A. Wyatt. in June, 187'.). Mrs. Torrence is 
a native of Wapello County, and the daughter of 
Edward S. and Zylphia (Davis) Wyatt, and by her 
union with our subject has become the mother of 
three children — Olive, Mary and John. Thej- oc- 
eup3' a handsome residence, and number among 
their list of friends and acquaintances the best citi- 
zens of Green Township. The Doctor is Demo- 
cratic in polities, takes an interest in the affairs of 
his township and county, and whenever opportu- 
nitj' affords, contributes of his time and means for 
the promotion of worthy enterprises. 

ON. CHARLES DUDLEY, deceased, one of 
the pioneer settlers of Wapello County, 
came to Iowa in 1843, while it was j'et a 
Territory, and took up 1G7 acres of land on 
section 30 in Agency Township. He was born 
Sept. 16, 1813, whence he removed to Illinois in 
1836, then to Louisa County, Iowa, and from there 
came to this county-. In early manhood he was 
married in Hancock County, 111., Dec. 29, 1838, to 
Miss Jeanette Daubenheyer, and of this marriage 
there were two children, both now deceased. Ed- 
ward .1. served as a Union soldier during the late 
war, and died in 1867. Mrs. Jeanette Dudley de- 
parted this life Sept. 5, 1844. 

Mr. Dudley was again married, Dec. 17, 1846, 
to Miss Polh' A. Dennison, a native of Illinois, 
born in Scott Count}-, Dee. 11, ls27. By her 
union with our subject she became the mother of 
ten children, onh' Ave ot whom are living: Charles 
S. lives in Polk County, Neb.; Sarah J. married 
q George L. Nye, of Wapello County; Mary E. Wil- 
:'} ton and Kate E. are also in this county; Frank W. 
;{ is at home. In 1870 a terrible accident occurred, 
"^ which resulted in the death of their three children, 
the house having taken Are, and the escape of these 
i fSSju q impossible. The children burned to death were, 
Lewis T., Thomas D. and Orrin O.. the remains be- 
ing buried in one coffin. 

Mr. Dudley in earlier years took an active part 




in politics and held v.irious local offices. He served 
.as County Coroner, and was elected by the Repub- 
licans to the Thirteenth General Assembly in 1866, 
serving six years, and has been Justice of the Peace 
for man}' years. He took an active stand against 
the use of whisky, and did everything in his power 
to .advance the temperance cause. He was an ex- 
tensive reader, keeping himself well posted upon 
all general and local matters, and was actively in- 
terested in the cause of education. He belongs to 
the Free- Will Baptist Church, of which he was Dea- 
con for many years, and was an active worker in 
the Sabbath-school, always read}' to lay aside per- 
sonal interests for the good of others. As a busi- 
ness man he was honorable, upright, prompt to 
meet his oblig.itictus, greatly beloved by his family, 
and held in the highest esteem by his neighbors 
and acquaintances. Mr. Dudley was possessed of 
considerable means when he came to this county, 
which he made good use of, and disbursed in a 
judicious manner. Mr. Dudley departed this life 
Aug. 25, 1880, leaving a widow and five children 
to mourn his loss. Mrs. Dudley is living in Agency 
City, where she has a comfortable home, and is 
greatly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances. 



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ERNEST B. VOGEL, farmer and stock- : i 

grower, residing on section 1 8, Center Town- ff; 

_rj - ship, is a native of Hesse Cassel, Prussia, fl 

born Nov. 16, 1824. He is the son of William and " ^^ 

Mary (Rosemeier) Vogel. AVhen Ernest was but ; '^ 

five years of age his parents emigrated to America, ; ^ 

and located in Zanesville, Obit). His father was :.n 

by profession a teacher in the public schools. After ; h 

living in Zanesville a short time he bought a farm ; ^ 

near Taylorville, on the Muskinijum River, where SSi 

he carried on farming until his death, which took ;,h 

place in 18.56, near Taylorville; the mother died in yn 

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In 1855 the subject of this sketch removed from 
Ohio to Davis County, Iowa, where he remained ; 
eight years. He then moved to Wapello County : 
and purchased a farm in Dahlonega Township, : h 
where he lived ten ye.ars. In 1873 he moved to i.i 
the city of Ottumwa, where he resided four : i 



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years, at which time he purchased the place 
where he now resides, consisting of thirty acres 
of laud which has lately been annexed to the 
city of Ottuniwa. lie has a neat and com- 
fortable home, and a fine orchard, in which is 
grown all the fruit adapted to this climate. In 
stock business he makes a specialty' of graded Nor- 
man horses and gi-aded cattle: His farm is prin- 
cipally in grass. 

May 30, 1852, Mr. ^'ogel was married to Eliza- 
beth Burckhalter, a native of France, born May 4, 
1833, but who came with her parents to America 
when but an infant. Both of her parents are now 
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Vogel are the parents of 
three children: Callie L. is the wife of Baxter 
Pickell, living in Albia, Iowa; Adelia F. is the wife 
of Albert Nickersou, living in Hot Springs, Ark.; 
lanthe M. lives with her parents. Mrs. Vogel is a 
member of the Lutheran Church. When Mr. Vogel 
came to this country he was not possessed of much 
means, but by dint of industrj- and energy he has 
succeeded in accumulating a comfortable compe- 
tency for himself and family. Besides his farming 
operations he is interested in the cutlery works at 
Ottumwa. He is a member of the Masonic frater- 
nit}', and in politics is a Democrat. 



A. MAJOR, a resident of the Hawkeye 
State since 1848, owns and occupies a com- 
fortable homestead in Polk Township, on 
section 31, and is busily engaged in general 
farming and stock-raising. He is a native of Ohio, 
and was born in Auglaize County, Dec. 26, 1827, 
being the sou of Hamilton and Charity (Obdyke) 
Major; his father was a native of Maryland and 
his mother of New Jersey. After their marriage 
they located in Ohio, whence they removed in 1848 
beyond the Mississippi to the Ilawkej'e State, where 
the father purchased the property which now con- 
stitutes the homestead of his son, our subject. 
Hamilton Major w.as born on the 2Gth of Decem- 
ber, 1791, and departed this life on the 22d of 
June, 1849, in Folk Township, and within the home 
which he had established for his family. He was a 
useful citizen, possessed of a good fund of general 




information, .-md always ready to aid in any enter 
prise designed to improve the condition of his 
county or township. The mother died Feb. 14, 
1881 ; she had lived a consistent Christian life, hav 
ing been a member of the Methodist Episcopal. 
Church since early youth. 

Hamilton Major and wife were the parents of tei 
children, all of whom, with one exception, are stillL 
living : William Bell, a farmer of Clarke County, m 
Iowa, was born Oct. 5, 1821; Lydia M. was born 
June 7, 1823, and became the wife of E. S. Hinkle, 
of the State of Nebraska; Marietta, born May 9, 
1825, married Mr. George Pierce, a farmer of Mon- 
roe Count}', Iowa; Rachel, born Aug. 27, 1826, be- 
came the wife of AV. S. Dowty, a farmer of Aug- W fjj 
laize County, Ohio; J. R., our subject, was the next , Ja_iM 
in order of birth ; Peter was born Feb. 28, 1830, 
and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Monroe 
County, Iowa; Albert, born July 21, 1831, is a 
farmer of Wapello County ; Margaret J., born Jan. 
4, 1834, married Stephen Osborn; Hamilton, born 
Oct. 14, 1835, died about 1880; Aaron M., born 
Jan. 27, 1838, is living in Trinity County, Cal. 

The subject of our sketch has followed farming ' 
pursuits, excepting a short period, during which [^^ 
he was engaged in the grocery trade at Mace- 
donia, Pottawattamie Co., this State. He was mar-^J 
ried, in June, 1864, to Miss Louisa Sheppard, a 
native of Illinois, born in Lacon, June 29, 1841,!ll! 
and the daughter of David and Sarah (Powell) 
Sheppard, natives respective!}- of Ohio and Vir- p};^^ 
ginia. They afterward removed to Iowa, and the -^ j^ ' 
mother died in Lee County in 1853. The father is jH JH 
still liviug, located on a farm in Otoe County, Neb. 
Mr. and Mrs. Major have become the parents of 
five children, as follows: Matilda was born Dec. 5, 
1864; Sarah E., Jan. 20, 1870; William A., July 
23, 1872; Lewis, Nov. 5, 1877; Ada May, Sept. 12,|[S^ 
1879. The family residence is pleasantly located, 
and its iuuiates ai'e surrounded by all the comforts 
of life. The farm includes eighty acres of choice 
laud, under good improvement and with an excel- 
lent set of farm buildings. The possessions of JMr. 
Major are the result of his own industry, as he com- 
menced at the foot of the ladder in life and has 
climbed up without any assistance save the good- 
will of Ills neighbors, which he acquired by hishon- 



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AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



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esty of purpose and straightforward methods of do- 
ing business. He has always been prompt to meet 
his obligations, and whenever opjiortunity afforded 
has assisted in the enterprises which have been set 
on foot for the advancement of the interest of his 
conimuinty. Politicall}- he affiliates with the Dem- 
ocratic partj', and uniformly casts his vote in sup- 
port of its principles. 



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f^PHRAIM ]\IcJriLLIN, comfortably located 
on section 9, of Keolvulv Township, is the 
possessor of a valuable farm estate, and is 
successfullj' engaged in agriculture and stock-rais- 
ing. He comes of an excellent Pennsj'lvania fam- 
ily, and was born in Fayette County, that State, on 
the 2 1st of September, 1827, the son of James and 
P^lizabeth (Hess) jMcMillin, who were the parents 
of ten children, as follows : P^phraim, our subject, 
was the eldest born ; Leah is the widow of Jesse 
Miller, and resides in Agency Township; Delilah, 
y deceased, was the wife of Sauford Davis; Nancy 
died in infanc}-; Rebecca is the wife of John Saj'- 
lor, of this county ; Sarah married A. H. Wilcox, 
j and is now deceased ; John and Franlclin are also 
residents of this county ; Eliza married Mr. George 
Wiley, and Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of 
John Young. 

James McMillin, the father of our subject, ranks 
among the pioneer settlers of the Hawkeye State, 
having come to Iowa in 1839, while it was yet a 
Territory. He first located in Jefferson County, 
from which he removed four j'ears later to Wapello 
j County, being among the earliest settlers of this 
I county. He entered 229 acres of Government land 
\ in Keokuk Township, upon which he erected a log 
cabin and commenced opening up a farm. In 
^ April, 1849, he came to his death bj' drowning, his 
bodj' being recovered after a search of ten days. 
After the death of her husband the bereaved 
motlier kept her family together as best she could, 
and assisted and directed her sons in the manage- 
ment of the farm and the establishment of a per- 
manent and comfortable home. In due time the 
property was divided among the children, and those 
who survive are all comfortably- settled in life. The 




faithful and affectionate mother survived her hus- 
band until 1862, and then finally closed her eyes to 
the scenes of earth, mourned b}' all who knew her. 
She was a devoted member of the Christian Chui-ch, 
and left behind her a record of kindly deeds and 
generous womanly s.vmpathies for all who were af- 
flicted or in distress, and whom she always aided to 
the best of her ability'. 

The subject of our sketch came with his parents 
to Iowa, and received his early education in the 
subscription schools. He remained under the par- 
ental roof until his marriage, which occurred in 
1855, the maiden of his choice being Miss Rachel 
Bower, a native of his own State. Of this union 
there were born three children — Sarah Alice. Eliza- 
beth, and one who died in infancy. Mrs. McMil- 
lin departed this life in 1867. 

The second marriage of Mr. McMillin, which oc- 
cuiTcd in 1872, was with Miss Nancy Saylor, who 
was born in Keokuk Township, in 1848, and was 
the daughter of Godfrey and Phrebe A. (Anderson) 
Saylor, natives of North Carolina. Of this mar- 
riage there are two children — Estella May, born 
May 7, 1878, and James E., Nov. 30, 1880. Mrs. 
McMillin died on the 2d of December, 1880. She 
was highly esteemed in this community, a devoted 
member of the Christian Church, and possessed of 
most amiable and excellent qualities. Her name is 
held in kindly remembrance b}' a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances. Since coming to this 
township our subject has been prominent in its lo- 
cal affairs, and has held the various offices within the 
gift of his townsmen. He is Democratic in politics, 
and uniformly casts his vote in support of the prin- 
ciples of that party. 



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eHARLES C. WARDEN, M. D., now living 
a retired life in Ottumwa, was the first 
phj'sician to permanently locate in Wapello 
Count3\ Coming here at the time the wily red 
man took up his march toward the setting sun, he 
has been an eye-witness and .an active p.articipant 
in all the startling events that have since transpired 
in the count}-. State and nation. Dr. Warden is 
first in number of the family of Richard and Eliz- 



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Residence OF JacobSedor£,5ec, 2A, Keokuk Township. 




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Residence OF W-. Wi lson , 5ec. 10., Centre Township. 





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abeth (Chunn) Warden. He was born in Mays- 
ville, Mason Co., Ky., Nov. 20, 181G. Of the pa- 
rental family one brother and two sisters are yet 
living: Richard IL, at present and for many years 
connected with the Ottumvva Courier; America, wife 
of J. B. Belniot, of Ottumwa, and Eliza A., married 
to John Peterson, and resides in Williamsburg, 
Clermont Co., Ohio. 

The father of our subject was a man of consid- 
erable culture, and a native of Hanover Connt3', 
\a.., but went to Kentucky when a youth, and was 
there married to Elizabeth Chunn, also a native of 
"N'irginia. In about 1834 the parental family moved 
to Clermont Count}', Ohio, where the elder War- 
den purchased a tract of land, a portion of the 
Nicholas land grant, and at once cleared a farm. 
He died there in August, 1835. Richard ^Varden 
lived long in the State that had reason to l)e proud 
that it was the home of Henry Clay, and he was a 
loyal follower of that eminent statesman. Relig- 
ously he was for many years a consistent memlier 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife 
was also a member of that denomination. She died 
Dee. 23, 1807, and both had enjoj'ed the love and 
respect of all who knew them. 

Much of the early life of Dr. Warden was spent 
in farming. He also assisted his father in clearing 
up the land in Clermont County, Ohio, being at 
that time about eighteen years of age. He was ed- 
ucated in the common schools of Kentucky and 
Ohio, which was supplemented by a short term at 
an academy in Greensburg, Ind., to wliich place he 
moved in 1837, just after reaching his majority. 
On moving to Greensburg he embarked in the drug 
trade, and soon commenced the study of medicine, 
having as a preceptor Dr. Fogg of that place. He 
continued his studies for about two years, and then 
entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, 
after which he entered into partnership with the 
above-mentioned physician, wliich was terminated 
by the death of Dr. Fogg about six months after- 
ward. This was in the winter of 1812-43. In the 
spring of 1843, being broken in health, he deter- 
mined on a trip West, and came to Ottumwa, this 
county, then just laid out by the Appanotpse Rapids 
Improvement Company. Here he found friends, 
among whom was Rev. Martin Jemison, who pre- 




111 



111 



2 



vailed upon him to remain for a time, though he 
had no intention of making it his permanent home. 
When it became known that he was a physician, he 
was frequently called upon to prescribe and, with- 
out effort on his part, his practice increased, and 
he kept deferring his return to Indiana until finally i; 
he abandoned the idea altogether, and thus became i^ 
a permanent resident of the present city of Ot- 
tumwa, and, as stated, the first physician to locate 
ill Wapello Count}'. 

Dr. Warden actively engaged in the practice of 
his profession for thirteen jears, then retired from 
it, other business demanding his attention. In 18.51 
he engaged in the mercantile trade, which he con- 
tinued until 1 882, when he sold out and has been 
living a retired life. He also engaged in farming 
to some extent. In the early day a medical society 
was organized, embracing the physicians of Wa- 
pello County, of which organization Dr. Warden 
was President for some years. He was also a mem- 
ber of the State Medical Society. An event which 
may have had much to do with the Doctor's choice 
of Ottumwa as a permanent home, was his marriage, 
June 13, 184G, with Marthn Williams, a native of 
Ohio, born in Cincinnati, Sept. 28, 1828, and a 
daughter of Washington Williams. Of this union 
tliere were twelve children, seven of whom are now 
living — Frank C, Laura C, Charles II., Hester, 
Sallie, Lucy T. and Martha T. 

As might be inferred from the foregoing, the life 1 :fn 
of Dr. Warden has been an active one. In politics, ^g) 
like his honored father, in early life he was an old- 
line Whig, ever ready to follow the lead of Henry 
Clay. His first vote was cast for Gen. Harrison, 
and his recollection of that exciting political cam- 
[laign in which log cabins, coons and hard cider 
were prominent, is vivid indeed. On the death of 
the old Whig part}% the Republican party sprang 
into existence, with which organization our subject 
has since continued to act. Though never an of- 
fice-seeker. Dr. Warden has held several ofBcial re- 
lations. For twelve j'ears he was Chairman of the 
School Board of Ottumwa, and for four years was 
a member of the Board of Trustees of the Agri- 
cultural College at Ames, two jears of which time 
he was Chairman of the Board. That he is a con- 
sistent and steadfast friend of education the time 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 




?pent in these offices certn,inl_y testifies. !Mucli 
credit is due to our subject for tlie present etHcieiit 
schools of Ottumwa, to which he gave nuieli time 
and tliouglit for so many j-ears, without hope of 
i-eward other than the consciousness of doing good 
and building for the future. 

Dr. Warden has reached his threescore years and 
ten, and can look baclc upon a well-spent life. For 
forty-three j'ears he has been a citizen of Ottuinwa 
and, as remarked in tiie beginning (jf this sketch, 
has witnessed all tlie changes tliat have been 
made in transforming a wilderness into a thickly 
settled country, the home of an industrial class of 
people, and in all he has taken an active part. To 
him and others " who have borne the burden and 
the heat of the day " is the present generation 
largelj' indebted for wliat it enjo3^s. 

.^^^ <^5*f-. "^fe- 

VY/OHN LOBER, one of tlie pioneer settlers of 
Adams Township, is a prosperous dealer in 
dry-goods and groceries at Blakesburg, and 
^^}J is contributing his full quota to the business 
interests of this town. Mr. L. is a native of Ba- 
varia, and was born May 18, 1826, being the son of 
(ieorge and Abelona Lober, natives of the same 
country, who spent their entire lives there, and 
where their remains are buried. In early life our 
subject was apprenticed to the trade of a shoemaker, 
at which Ite served three years, and in 1849 set out 
for America, and after a voyage of fortj'-one days 
he landed in Baltimore witli two five-franc pieces 
in his pocket. He thus practically commenced life 
ia the New World at the foot of the ladder, with- 
out means or influence to assist him in the struggle 
before him. From Baltimore he proceeded to 
Wheeling, \'a., where he worked for a few years at 
his trade, and in May, 18.5,5, started for the West, 
and made his first location in Bkkesburg, Iowa. 
Here he opened a small shoesliop, which he carried 
on for twenty-two years, and then embarked in his 
present business. The firm carries ever3'thing- re- 
quired in an ordinary household, and keeps a gener- 
ous stock of first-class goods. 

Mr. Lober wag married in Wheeling, \'a., in 
1851, to Miss Dora Weidman, wlio w.as born in 




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Switzerland in 1830. They became the parents of 
three children: John F. ; Amelia, tiie wife <jf A. C. _ 
Bigby, of Ai'kansas City, Kan., and Louisa, wIki mar- ~- ^ 
ried Perry C'lo3'd, of this county. Beside the store ; ^ 
and valuable town property, Mr. Lober owns 174 -HJ 
acres of good land, and enjoys a handsome income = 



DUie : m 
from the business of himself and son. From tlie S ij 
start he identified himself with the interests of his : u 
adopted county, and has been the encourager and : >■] 
supporter of everything calculated to advance its ; i 
interest. He has witnessed with interest and satis- ; 
faction the growth and development of this region, ; 
and is a forcible illustratinn of what industry and : 
perseverance may accomplish. 



Vfj W. NICHOLS, a prominent resident of the : '^ 
city of Ottumwa, is a magnetic healer by«.K 
profession, and well and favorably known n |i 
.^^^ throughout this city and vicinity. He is a : -"]': 
native of New Haven County, Conn., and was born : jj 
April 15, 1830. His parents were Joseph and : M 
Betsy (Smith) Nichols, natives of the same .State ; !M 
and county as their son. The parental family com- : '^■ 
prised two children only — Ranson S., a brass caster : If* 
of Thomaston, Conn., and J. W., our subject. : }^ 
Joseph Nichols died in the same year that his son, : "^ 
our subject, was born. Mrs. N., for her second : JJj 
husband, married William Johnson, and of their ; :■ 
union there was born one son — Charles K., now of I 
Mahaska County, Iowa. After her second marriage : H 
the mother of our subject removed to Iowa and '■ 
located in Mahaska County, where she passed the; : 
remainder of her days^dj'ing April 18, 1880, at the : j|j 
age of seventy-three years. She was reared in the i -}! 
Episcopal faith, but afterward became a devoted : f,' 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. : ^ 

Young Nichols having been deprived of a fa- ; ^^ 
ther's care when an infant of six months old, was 
reared by his step-father, who removed with his = 
wife and her little son to Berkshire County, Mass., ; 
when the latter was four years old. The latter re- 1 ■{ 
maiued there until he attained to years of manhood, 3^ { 
receiving a common-school education, and on the : , 
1 2th of April, 1852, was united in marriage with;} 
Miss Sarah E. Waticins, who was born in that ' x 
county on the ;id of .January', 1836. After their " 



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marriage they removed to Conuectient, and in 18.56 
they joiirnej'ed westward into Iowa and located in 
Richland Township, Mahaska Connty, engaging in 
farming pursuits. Subsequently Mr. N. purchased 
a steam sawmill and operated the same for ten 
years. The household was brightened by the birth 
of two children, and Mrs. Sar.ah Nichols, after hav- 
ing been the partner of her husband for only six 
years, closed her eyes to the scenes of earth on the 
■23d of .September, 1858. 

Mr. Nichols was again married on the 2d of 
March, 1859, to Miss Elizabeth A. Ryan, a daughter 
of Jesse B. Ryan, of AVest Virginia. He emigrated 
to Iowa at an early period in the history <_>f the 
State, first locating in Mahaska Count3\ Thence 
he removed to Cass County, Neb., where he is at 
present living. In eai-ly manhood he was married 
to Miss M. Sterms, and they became the parents of 
six children, as follows : Ingaba J. became the wife 
of William Godby, and is now a resident of Kear- 
ney, Neb. ; James R. lives in Cedar Rapids; Elizabeth 
A., wife of our subject; Jacob S.,in Cass Count}^ 
Neb. ; Thomas II. B., in New Sharon, Iowa; and 
Nancy E. married Paris Van Cleave, of Marquette, 
Hamilton Co., Neb. Mrs. Nichols was born in 
Virginia, June 6, 1840, and by her .marriage with 
our subject has become the mother of four children, 
viz: Josephine M., born Oct. 10, 1861; Frank, 
born Sept. 15, 1865, is now deceased; Sarah E. 
was born Sept. 10, 1806, and Charles E., June 8, 
1880. They occupy a handsome home, and num- 
ber among their warmest friends the cultured peo- 
ple of the city. 

Dr. Nichols became a resident of Ottumwa in 
1869. He was poor in pocket and no prospect of 
business or work. He was willing, however, to en- 
gage in an}' honest labor, and his first day's worlt 
in the city consisted in sawing two cords of wood. 
Not being accustomed to such work he went home, 
lay down to rest and fell asleep. His arms pained 
him very much and he dreamed that in rubbing his 
hands over them the pain immediately ceased. 
Upon awaking his arms still pained him, he passed 
his hands over them and the pain in reality left 
them, .\fter practicing upon himself in tliis man- 
ner for some time with uniformly good results, the 
Doctor began gradually to apply this healing pro- 




WAPELLO COUNTY 



cess to his friends^aud neighbors, and in due time 
his operations in this line became so successful and 
extensive that he found he must either abandon it 
entirely or make a business of it, and he decided 
upon the latter course. He did not understand it ?P 
at first, and was at a loss to know from whence his J 
powers came, being disposed to treat the wholeg' 
matter with ridicule, and Paul Castor, the famous 
magnetic healer, as well. At this time the latter, 
then a resident of Ottumwa, was taken ill and sent 
for Dr. Nichols, who oonnnenced treating him with 
exceUeut results, and continued for fifteen months. 
He is now often emplo_yed b}' Dr. Castor to assist 
in the treatment of patients in his institution at Ot- 
tumwa. ^: 
Dr. Nichols states that he does not himself uu- [p 
derstaiid the secret of his powers, but knows that jj; 
he has effected remarkable cures. He now does an i jj j; 
extensive business, and travels through Iowa, Mis- J!:;: U 
souri and Illinois, engaged in jn-aetiee which for the lilbgl 
: most part has been unsought by him. He is a gen- }H m 
\ tleman of rare intelligence, an extensive reader, ,jS 
and keeps himself thoroughly posted on all the im- 
portant questions of the d.ay. Socially he is con- 
nected with Empire Lodge No. 269, A. F. & A. M., 
i and also with Clinton Chapter No. 9, of Ottumwa, 
in which he has served as Deacon for eight years. 
He is a straightforward business man, honest and 
upright in his transactions, and a worthy and valued 
citizen. 




ANIEL DENNISON, deceased, one of the 
honored pioneers of Wapello County, was 
born in Kentucky in 1797, and was the son 
of \\'illiam and Margaret Dennison. The 
parent.al family included the following children — 
William, Madison, IClizabeth, Catharine, Mary. ' 
John, Alexander and Daniel, our subject being the 
sixth in order of birth. William Dennison emi- 
grated from Lexington, Ky., to Illincjis in 1818, 
the same year that it was admitted into the Union 
.as a State. He had been a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionarj' War under (len. St. Claii', and died in 18:38. 
The subject of this history removed to Illinois 
in 1836, and seven years Later came to Iowa. In 
1843 he entered a claim of 240 acres in Pleasant 



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Township, and commenced the improvement of a 
farm, living with his family in a tent until he 
could roll up logs enough for a cal)in. This latter 
served their [iurpose for a number of j'ears, and 
being prospered in his labors he afterward erected 
a good frame house, and ui)on the homestead thus 
established passed the remainder of his da3-s. His 
wife, before her marriage, was Miss Sallie S. Riggs, 
and they became the parents of six children, all 
of whom are living, the youngest being fort3'-two 
J'ears of age: Parthena is the widow of Thomas 
Foster; Polly A. is the widow of Hon. Charles 
Dudley, a sketch of whom will be found in another 
part of this work; William S. is in Kansas; Mar- 
garet E. became the wife of Jacob T. McMinn, of 
AVapello County; Hanna E., Mrs. William N. Mil- 
ligan, lives in Ringgold Count}', this State; Sarah 
L. married Edward F. Bartholomew of the same 
county. 

Mr, and Mrs. Dennison were mcnilicrs in good 
standing of the Christian Church for mau\' years, 
and carried out in their daily lives the principles 
of the religion which they piofessed. They were 
held in the highest esteem by their neighbors and 
associates, and endured with their fellow-pioneers 
the privations and hardships incident to the settle- 
ment of a new coimtry. They were widely and 
favorably known throughout this county for their 
kindlj' and charitable deeds, and were blest with 
many years, the father dying in 1 S70, at the age of 
seventy-three j'ears, and the mother in 1S77, aged 
seventy-two. 



VF. FOSTER, a farmer and stock-grower, 
will be found on section 31, Agency Town- 
ship. He was born in Wapello Countj', 
Iowa, Nov. 2.0, 1846, and is a son of Thomas 
and Parthena (Denniscm) Foster. (See sketch of 
Thomas Foster on another page of this work.) The 
subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and 
obtained his education in the common schools of 
this county. On the 6th day of October, 1874, he 
was united in marriage with Hattie C. Linder, also 
a native of this county, born Sept. 26, 1853, and 
the daughter of Joseph and Marj' (Reat) Linder. 



JHeei 




Her parents reside in Agencj' City. Four chil- : | 

dren have been born to our subject and wife: " '^ 
Charles S., Russel (deceased), Marv P. and Wal- 
ter L. 

Mr. Foster is the owner of 188 acres of land, in- 
cluding the farm on which he resides, and also has 5: C 
340 acres in Washington Township. On the home 3 
farm he has a good dwelling, a barn, 43x55 feet, 5 
with 20-foot posts, and all the necessarj' out-build- : ^ 
ings. He is a breeder of Short-horn cattle, which : ■{ 
he makes a specialtj"; his Short-horn bull was sired ; fl 
by the 22d Duke of Airdrie, No. 1C,G95. He has 3 w 
some tine roadsters, and also breeds Poland-China ; R: 
hogs. Mr. and j\lrs. Foster are members of the : x 

Methodist Episcopal Church, and jKiIitically he is a ; {, 

- ^1 
Republican. 3i;n 

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eHARLES W. DERBY, one of the honored 
pioneers of Wapello Count}', is a native of 
New England and born in Addison County, 
Vt., on the 23d of June, 1816. He is the son of 
Jonathan M. and Clarissa (Baker) Derbj', natives 
respectively of New York and Vermont, who set- 
tled in the latter State after their marriage, and af- 
ter the birth of their son, our subject, emigrated to 
Ohio, locating in Licking Countj' at an earlj- per- 
iod in the history of that State. The parental 
family consisted of twelve children, ten of whom 
lived to mature years, but only two are now living 
— George, of Seward Countj', Neb., and Charles 
W. of our sketch. The father of our subject came 
to Wapello Count}', Iowa, in about 1847, and lo- 
cated on a farm, where he remained a few years, 
afterward removing to Mahaska County, and died 
there on the 6th of October, 1864, aged seventy- 
eight years. The mother had previouslj' passed 
to her rest, on the 6th of August, 1861. Thej' 
were worthy people, useful members of society, 
and actively connected with the Presbyterian 
Church. 

Charles ^V. Derbj', of this sketcii, emigrated with 
his parents to Ohio when a mere child, and received 
his education in the pioneer log school-house. He 
remained under the parental roof until he arrived 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 




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at years of manhood, and on Aug. 30, 1838, was 
united in marriage with ]Miss Jane Longwell. Mrs. 
D. was born in Liciiing County, Ohio, Feb. 13, 
1823, and was the daughter of Adonijah and Mary 
(Clark) Longwell, the father a native of ^'irginia, 
and the mother of Irish birth and parentage. They 
became the parents of eight children, four of whom 
are deceased: Clark is living in Licking County, 
Ohio; Jane, in Wapello County, Iowa; Eliza is the 
wife of Noah Bush, and lives in Licking County, 
Ohio; Mary, Mrs. James Parker, is deceased. Mr. 
and Mrs. Longwell died in Oiiin. The former was 
a member first of the Presbyterian, and then of the 
Baptist Church. 

The familj' circle of our subject and his wife was 
completed bj' the birth of nine children, two of 
whom are deceased : Melissa is the wife of Daniel 
Cumraings, of Butler County, Kan. ; Nelson lives 
in Wapello County, Iowa; Clark is in Peabody, 
Kan.; John M., and Nancy, Mrs. William Peck, 
are residents of this count}' ; George W. is in Kan- 
sas; Ina married Cyrus Van Cleave, an attorney 
of this count}'. 

In 1845 Mr. Derby came with his family to 
Iowa, making the trip overland with teams, cooking 
by the wayside and sleeping in the wagon at night. 
Thej' came into Wapello County, and Mr. E. en- 
tered a claim in Adams Township on section 18. 
Upon this there was not even a log cabin, and his 
first duty was to put up a dwelling for his family. 
There was plenty of wild game, and they feasted 
on venison and turkey, but were obliged to go a 
long distance to mill, the nearest one being at Ben- 
ton's Point, in Van Buren County, about sixtj' 
miles away. During the first seasons in which he 
raised crops for the markets he was obliged to haul 
his grain to Keokuk, and our subject experienced 
with his fellow pioneers all the hardships, privations 
and difflculties incident to the settling up of a new 
country. During their long residence here they 
have been interested witnesses of the progress and 
development of the IIawke3'e State, and have con- 
tributed their full share toward its advancement 
and prosperitj'. 

Upon his arrival in this county Mr. Derliy found 
himself with a cash capital of $G.25, and he has re- 
ceived no legacy since then to assist him on the 



road to prosperitj'. He is now the possessor of 
lie acres of laud, lying near Blakesburg, with a 
comfortable residence, and all the necessarj' ap- 
purtenances of a first-class agriculturist. His pos- 
sessions have been the result of his own industry 
and enterprise, and he is considered one of the rep- 
resentative men of Wapello County who have come 
honestly by the competency which they are enjoy- 
ing as they go quietly down the sunset hill of life. 
Before the outbreak of the late war Mr. Derby 
was an anti-slavery m.an, and strongly opposed to 
the peculiar institution. After the first call for 
troops he enlisted in the 37th Iowa Infantry, which 
was then known as the " Graybeard " regiment, and 
served until the close of the war in a courageous 
and conscientious manner. Politically he is a 
stanch Republican, and uniformly casts his vote in 
support of the principles of his party. 

^ ^^ ^ 




kA. CIIAMBERLIN is manager of the Kirk- 
ville Supply Company, Kirkville, Iowa, of 
which company T. J. Potter is President, 
O. M. Ladd, Vice President and Treasurer, and 8. 
A. Corey, Secretary and Cashier. The company 
are dealers in dry-goods, boots and shoes, cloth- 
ing, hardware, groceries, furniture, stoves, tinware, 
lumber, etc., and transact a very large business an- 
nually. L. A. Chamberlin was born in Summit 
County, Ohio, July 30, 1842, and is a son of Joel 
G. and Mary A. (Bartlett) Chamberlin, the former 
a native of Ohio, and the latter of ^'ermont. In 
1851 his father went to California, and died there 
of cholera; his mother died in Summit County, 
Ohio, in 1855. 

Since eighteen years of age, the subject of this 
sketch has made his own way in the world. He re- 
ceived a fair English education in the common 
schools of his county and neighl^orhood, and at the 
age of twenty enlisted as a private soldier in Co. B, 
41st Ohio Vet. Vol. Inf., ])artieipating in the bat- 
tles of Stone River, Mission Ridge, Peachtree 
Creek and other engagements. At Peachtree Creek 
he was shot through the hand, and discharged 
at Cleveland, Ohio. In 1869 he emigrated to Mon- 
roe Count}', Iowa, and remained there till 1874, at 



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256 




WAPELLO COUNTY 



nliich time he moved to Kirkville, this county, 
where lie has since remained. For twenty years he 
engaged in the manufacture of clieese on the asso- 
ciated dairy plan, and made the first cheese ever 
made in this country on that plan. 

Mr. C'hamberlin w.as married, Dee. 3, 1865, to 
IJlioda F. Babcoek, who was born Aug. 16, 1845, 
in Ohio, and is the daughter of David and Alvira 
(Wright) B.ahcock. Tier parents both died in Ohio. 
Two children were born of this union — Afton R., 
Sept. 26, 1860; and Minnie E., Jan. 14, 1872. Mr. 
C'hamberlin owns 140 acres of farm land in Ohio, 
160 acres in Colorado, and eleven acres in the vil- 
lage of Kirkville. He is a thorough business man, 
and in the management of the extensive business of 
the Kiikville Supplj' Companj- renders satisfaction 
not only to the company, but to its patrons as well. 
He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and politi- 
cally is a Republican. 



-t-i-B-- 






C. ISRAEL resides upon section 1 1, Wash- 
ington Township, and is engaged in farm- 
ing and stock-raising. The home farm 
consists of 400 acres of mostlj' improved 
land, there being upon the jjremises a good dwell- 
ing-house, fine barn, and all necessary out-build- 
ings. He is a native of Butler Count}', Ohio, born 
Nov. 20. 1820, and is a son of Thomas and Chris- 
tina (Deem) Israel, the latter of whom died in 
Indiana. The father came from Indiana to Wa- 
I pello County in 1 .S60, remained two years, and then 
returned to Indiana, where he has since died. He 
was a native of \irginin, and the mother of Ken- 
tucky. 

In 1844 the subject of this sketch was united in 

marriage with Ruth Brownfield, a native of Penn- 

hsylvania, who was born Jan. 16, 1825, and is the 

jl daughter of Robert and Sarah (Price) Brownfield. 

Her father died in Van Buren County, Iowa, where 

her mother now lives. Flight children were born 

of this union — J. A., S. E., Mary, Robert T., Hiram 

J., Margaret A., John and George P. Of this 

number S. E., Margaret A. and John are deceased. 

In 1849 Mr. Israel, with his family, came to Van 



Buren County, and in 1854 to Wapello County, 
Iowa, where he has since continued to reside. He 
ranks among the best farmers in Wapello County, 
and is a man who takes an interest in all public 
affairs, and h.as held the offices of County Super- 
visor and Township Trustee; politically he is a 
Democrat. Mr. Israel and i 
Missionary Baptist Church. 



^^^lEORGEW. THOMAS, a highly respected | 
[if ,5=-, citizen of Green Township, occupies a com- «: 
^^jjl fortable homestead on section 27. and is en- S 
gaged in general farming and stock-raising. He J; 
has been a prominent man in his community, pos- J; 
sesses many excellent traits of character,' has been |; 
upright and straightforward in his business transac- |^ 
tions, and mostly successful in his undertakings in p 
life. 

Mr. Thomas comes of an excellent family, and 
was born in Washington County, Pa., Julj' 17, 1807. 
His parents were Nathaniel and Anna (Townsley) 
Thomas, also natives of the Keystone State. His 
father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and when 
not in the service was engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits. He departed this life in 1853, at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty j"ears, having spent his latter 
daj'S in his native State; the mother had preceded 
him to the better land several years before. Both 
parents were members in good standing of the 
Presbyterian Church, and carefully trained their 
children in jirineiples of morality, honesty and in- 
tegrity. 

Our subject was reared to farming pursuits, and 
when a lad twelve years old removed with his par- |^ J 
ents from his native State to Clermont, Ohio. The p[ 
countrj- was wild and unbroken, and they were Ji 
among the earliest settlers of that region. His fa- »^i 
ther entered a claim, improved and cultivated the 
land, and lived there until the spring of 1851, 
and when not busy with his farming operations was s:\ 
engaged as a cabinet-maker, which trade he had z-\ 
learned when quite a 30uth, and at which he eon- z-\ 
tinued until the spring of 1857, when he started for sm 
the farther West and. crossing the Father of AVa- Em 
ters, purchased 160 acres of land, which he eulti- Jfi 




KE^: 



[i* vated until the spring of 1885, when he retired 

[ Is from active labor and went to live with liis ehil- 

1^ dren. 

G. W. Thomas was united with Miss Eveline 
Bell, in 1829. Mrs. T. was a native of Maryland, 

} y and the daughter of John Lee Bell, and of her mar- 
riage with our subject were born four children, as 
follows: Francis Marion is a carpenter, and lives in 
Ottumwa; Oliver Perry is a painter by trade, and 
is also a resident of Ottumwa; George Milton is a 

1^ resident of Davis County, Iowa; Minerva Jane is 
i the wife of William Gadd, of South Ottumwa. 
i Mrs. Eveline Thom.as departed this life Aug. 30, 
f 1882, at the advanced age of seventy-four years, 
and her remains are buried iu Zion Cemetery in 
Green Township. 

Mr. T. is Democratic in politics, and for a num- 
ber of years was Postmaster at Point Isabel, in this 
county. He is conscientious in the discharge of 
his duties as a citizen, and although uovv over 
seventy-nine years of age, has never failed to 
cast his ballot at election time since he became a 
voter. His first vote was for Henry Claj\ After 
the dissolution of the Whig party he became a 
Democrat. 



T. FOSTER is a native of Wapello 
County, Iowa, born Nov. 19, 1849, and is 
a son of Thomas and P. J. (Dennison) 
Foster. (See sketch of Thomas Foster.) 
J 3c He now resides on section 8, Washington Town- 
ship, and the owner of 250 acres of good land, 
with all modern improvements. D. T. Foster was 
reared ujjon his father's farm and educated in the 
common schools of his native county. In 1S72 he 
was united in marriage with Miss S. A. Nimocks, a 
native of Jefferson County, Iowa, born Nov. 2, 
IS.tO, and a daughter of R. and Amj' (Thomas) 
Nimoclvs, who reside in this township. Five cliil- 
dren have been born to them — Nellie M., Mamie 
B., Millard T., Arthur D. and William R. ; the lat- 
i^ ter died iu infancy. 

Mr. Foster is a man who is active in all public 
affairs. He was Deputy Auditor of Wapello 
County for two years, has held the office of Town- 
ship Clerk two terms, and has been a member of 




3C 




the School Board of AVashington Township, being 
President and Secretary of the same. He and his 
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Politically he is a Rcpuliliean. 



-»-HH- ^ KS^ l}:^ 5J( T§> -KH- •«- 



HILIP IIOREN, a highly respected citizen 
of Wapello County, is the possessor of a 
fine farm estate located in Keokuk Town- 
ship, on section 32, where he is successfully 
engaged in farming and stock-raising. Our subject 
is a native of Ireland, liis birth taking place in that 
country Sept. 29. 1845. He is the son of Charles 
and Johanna (O'Connor) Horen, and at the age of 
seventeen years emigrated from his native land tt) 
the United States. He landed iu New York Citj% 
and after making a short stay there went into Mas- 
sachusetts, and was a resident of the city of Wor- 
cester, tliat State, for the following seven years. 
He then resolved to visit the country beyond the 
Mississippi, and iu 1869 came into Monroe Count}', 
Iowa, where he engaged in farming pursuits suc- 
cessfully for about four years. He then came to 
AVapello County, and purchased 160 acres of land 
and began its improvement and cultivation. Af- 
ter he had brought it to a fine condition he sold 
eighty acres at a good profit, and in 1885 purchased 
120 acres adjoining. He has since added to his 
landed property until he is now the possessor of 
240 acres, 200 under fence and fort}' in timber. 
Tlie greater part of this is finely improved and 
supplied with a good set of farm buildings, and 
under the wise direction and management of Mr. 
Horen has become one of the most attractive in 
this section of the county. Mr. II. is progressive 
and liber.al in his ideas, and carries on his farming 
and stock-raising operations after the most ap 
proved methods. He has kept his eyes open as to 
what was going on around him in the world, and is 
jjossessed of a valuable fuiiil of information, both 
in regard to agriculture, stoclv-raising, and other 
matters of general interest. 

JMi\ Horen was married, in 1870, to Miss Maggie 
Sullivan, whose parents, John and Julia (Danaty) 
Sullivan, were natives of Ireland. They subse- 
quently emigrated to the United States, and are 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 




now residing in this township. Mrs. H. was born 
on the .5th of October, 1853, and hy her marriage 
with our subject has become the mother of six 
chilflreu — two daughters and four sons — as follows : 
Charles, the eldest, was born Jan. U, 1H71 : John, 
Nov. 11, 1873; Michael, .Jan. 11, 1870; Helen, 
Nov. 13, 1879; Josephine F., Oct. 13, 1882, and 
Philip, Jan. 24, 1885. Mr. H. has been prominent 
in the affairs of his community since coming here, 
and has held the various township offices. He is 
Democratic in politics, and both he and Mrs. H. 
loyally adhere to tlic Catholic faith. 



^jt^ UWARD JOHNSTON, a farmer and stock- 
l^ grower on section 5, Kichland Township, 
/i' — <^ was born in County Antrim, Ireland, Oct. 
5, 1822, and is the son of Edward and Mai'garet 
(Crone) .Johnston, both of whom were natives of 
Ireland and died in that country'. \\'hen twentj'- 
three years of age Edward came to America, cross- 
ing the ocean in a sailing-vessel, and being on the 
water sis weeks and three daj's. He lauded at 
New York City, remaining there a short time, and 
then went to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he staid until 
1850, when he came to Iowa, traveling by steam- 
boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi Rivers 
to Burlington, at which place he remained about 
four months, and then came bj' stage to Wapello 
County. 

Mr. Johnston was married, March 11, 1850, to 
Mary Carnes, a native of Harrison County, Ohio, 
born March 25, 1831, and a daughter of Joshua 
and Nancy (Cook) Carnes. Her parents moved 
from Ohio to Iowa in 1849, and died in Columbia 
Township, this county. The father was a native 
of Maryland, and the mother of "S'irginia. Mr. 
and INIrs. Johnston are the parents of ten children : 
Julia A., born Jan. 1, 1852, is the wife of George 
Vermilion, and now resides in Kichland Township; 
Nancj' E., born April 2, 1853, was married to 
George Carlj'Ie, and is now living in Nebraska; 
William H., born near Kirkville, June 3, 1854, 
married Martha E. Cox, and lives in ISIahaska 
Countj'; Lizzie C, born March U!, 18,")7, is tlie 



wife of Walter Brown, and lives in Pennsylvania; 
George H., born .Sept. 12, 1859, is living at home 
with his parents; Ana B., born June 7, 1801, died 
Aiig. 20, 1804; Joshua M., l)orn June 30, 1803, died 
July 21, 1804; John E., born .Sept. 15, 1804, mar- 
ried Lottie Pellen, and lives in Kirkville; Jed B.. 
born July 9,_l.s00, lives at home; Isaac H., born 
June 7, 1868, lives at home. 

When Mr. Johnston first came to Wapello County 
he purchased 100 acres of land in Green Township, 
for which he paid §700, and on which he remained 
three j-ears, and then sold for §1,150. He then 
bought 100 acres in Richland Township, of which 
only fort}' acres have been improved ; he has since 
purchased eighty acres adjoining, and has all under 
a high state of cultivation. His land and improve- 
ments cost him ^5,200. Mr. Johnston is a No. 
1 farmer, and has been verj' successful in all his 
undertakings. He has never aspired to office, and 
only takes such interest in politics as ever^' good 
citizen should manifest. Politically he is a Re- 
publican, and religiously he and his good wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 






I 



^jICHARD D. ROSSER, Superintendent of 

^ supplies for a coal mining company in 
<iiivi\ Richland Township, was born in South 

^ Wales, March 12, 1841. He is a sen of 
David and Margaret (Thomas) Rosser, both of 
whom are deceased. The parents were also natives 
of South Wales. The suliject of this notice emi- 
grated to the United States in 1808, and settled in 
Trumbull Count}', Ohio. Remaining in the latter 
county for some four months he removed to Braid- 
wood, 111., and was there engaged in mining. From 
the latter place he came to this State, in 1878, and 
in 1881 took charge of a mine in Van Buren 
County. This he successfully conducted until 
1882, when he removed to this county and engaged 
with the Wapello Coal Mine, and has thus been oc- 
cupied until the present time. The capacity of the 
mines in which he is employed is about 800 tons 
per day. 

Mr. Rosser was united in marriage with Miss 
Jane Williams, April 5, 1859. She was born in 



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1840 in South Wales, where her parents died, hav- 
ing been residents there all their lives. Mr. and 
Mrs. Rosser have become the parents of twelve 
children, but all -of them have crossed the river to 
the other shore with the exception of one, William. 
Mr. Rosser is the proprietor of a residence and lot 
in Braidwood, and also owns a house and lot in 
Cleveland, Iowa. In religion he and wife are mem- 
bers of the Congregational Church. Socially our 
subject belongs to the A. F. and A. M., the I. O. 
O. F. and the K. T., and in politics is a stanch and 
active Republican. 

^^^LVIN LEWIS. The subject of this biog- 
(©/lJI raphj', who has long been familiar upon 
the streets of Ottumwa, and who is held in 
the highest respect and esteem, ranks among 
the earliest pioneers of Wapello County. He is a 
native of Champaign Count}', Ohio, and was born 
Oct. 6, 1811, his parents being William and Dianah 
(Vina) Lewis, who were among the earliest settlers 
of the county of his birth, where the}' took up a 
claim, improved and cultivated a farm, and reared 
a large family of children, thirteen in all. Of these 
only two are living, William and Alvin, of this 
county. The parents passed to their final rest sev- 
eral years ago, leaving behind them a getodl}' record 
of worthy lives filled with kindl}' deeds and Chris- 
tian charit}'. The}' were both prominently con- 
nected with the Baptist Church, and were highly 
respected in the community where they resided a 
larger portion of their lives. 

Mr. Lewis of this history was the youngest child 
of his parents, and was deprived of their affection- 
ate care while a mere child. He was reared and 
kindly cared for by his sister Mary, who became 
the wife of Richard Rutledge. His first school 
days were passed in a log cabin, with puncheon 
floors and slabs for seats, into which light was ad- 
mitted through greased paper for window-panes. 
The structure was warmed by a large fire-place 
which extended across one end of it. But. having 
known nothing different, the pupils of those days 
were quite content with their advantages, and 
usually made the most of them. Books were scarce 



and high-priced, and one small volume often went 
through the family from the eldest to the youngest, 
the frequent changes of the present day in school- 
books being then unknown, and the old pioneers 
probably oljtained fully as much practical and 
serviceable knowledge from those well-worn text- 
books as do many of the more fashionable students 
of to-day from their high-priced and scientific vol- 
umes. 

At the age of sixteen years Alvin Lewis left the 
home of his sister, and was apprenticed to learn the 
plasterer's trade, for which he was to serve three 
years in consideration of his board and clothes. 
This business he followed for twenty-eight years 
thereafter, doing many a hard day's work and re- 
ceiving what would now be considered but in- 
different pay. After he had attained his majority 
Mr. Lewis, not quite satisfied with his condition in 
his native State, decided to cross the Mississippi 
and investigate the territory beyond it. He came 
into Iowa in 1837, and first located in what is now 
Van Buren County. He opened up a farm there 
when there was only one white man in the vicinity 
north of him and one west — Samuel Clayton and 
James Duffleld. The country was full of Indians, 
and they could be seen any day prowling around 
the outskirts of their claims, although they were 
peaceable and did not offer any violence. 

Two years later, in 1839, Mr. Lewis sold his 
land, returned to Ohio for a time, and then, in 
1842, reerossed the Mississippi, and came into 
Wapello County. He entered a claim and camped 
upon it for about two weeks before the land came 
into market, and was here also among the first set- 
tlers in the Des Moines Valley. His claim finally 
proved to be located in township 32, range 13 west 
(now comprised in Dahlonega Township), on sec- 
tion 5, and he lived upon it the first year in a tent. 
He broke the first sod north of the river which was 
disturbed by actual settlers in Wapello County. 
His claim comprised 320 acres, which he indus- 
triously improved and cultivated, and in due time 
received abundant reward and a handsome income 
from his labors. At the time of his coming here 
the county had not been organized, and the sur- 
veyors tarried for a time at his homestead. After 
a I'esidence of fifteen years upon the farm, which 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 




Mr. Lewis b^- unremitting iudustrj' and persever- 
ance had brought to a very valuable condition, his 
healtli failed and he was obliged to retire from act- 
ive labor. He then moved into Ottumwa, of which 
he has since been a resident. 

After his first visit to the West, having occasion 
to stop for a time in Monmouth, Warren Co., 111., 
Mr. Lewis became acquainted with Lucinda, the 
daughter of Thomas Pearce, to whom he was mar- 
ried in August, 1839. Mrs. Lewis, at the time of 
her marriage, was the widow of William Haines, 
who died of cholera at Pekin, III., in 1.S32. She 
had two children by her first marriage : JIartha 
Ellen, who became the wife of John Gossage, of 
Dahlonega, and is now deceased ; Mr. Gossage went 
to California in 18.58, during the gold excitement, 
and died two or three j'ears later. He left two 
sons, who are editors and publishers of a newspaper 
in Rapid City, Dak. The younger daughter, Ma- 
tilda C, became the wife of Gen. J. M. Hedrick, 
but is now a widow, and resides at the old Hedrick 
homestead in Ottumwa. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have had no children of 
tiieir own, but have taken several homeless ones 
into their hearts and home, and have performed by 
them the offices of father and mother. Mrs. L. is 
a highlj^ respected Christian lady and connected 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. L., al- 
though nut a member of any religious denomina- 
tion, has always contributed liberally to the causes 
of morality and educ.ition, having been p.irticularlv 
interested in the building up of the school s^'stem 
of this vicinity. He has also been intimately iden- 
tified with the business and industrial interests of 
this section, and there are few worthj' enterprises 
which have not received his sanction and more sub- 
stantial aid from his abundant means. He is a 
Republican in polities, casting his first vote for 
Henrjf Clay. The first public speech that he at- 
tended was delivered by Abraham Lincoln, of 
whom he was a great admirer and with whom he 
enjoyed a friendly acquaintance. He recalls many 
a pleasant conversation with the niart\red Presi- 
dent, .and often repeats many of his puns and wit- 
ticisms. 

When Mr. Lewis came into Wapello County he 
was possessed of only about ^200, and had nothing 



further to rely upon but his own perseverance and 
energy to carry him through the battle of life. He 
is now possessed of a fine property, consisting of 
one of the most valuable farm estates in this county. 
He has a fine farm residence, good barns and out- 
houses, valuable machinery and farm implements, 
and all the appliances for carrying on agriculture 
after the most approved methods. This, in addi- 
tion to his city property, affords him a handsome 
income, and those who know him best rejoice the 
most that he has been thus richly rewarded for his 
earlier toils and the steady pursuit of an upright 
and honorable course of action in all his dealings 
with his fellow-men. He is held in the same ven- 
eration and respect which is tacitly accorded to the 
brave band of pioneers who first came into the 
wilderness and marked out a path for the advance 
of civilization, and as a representative citizen of 
the county, and a respected and honored resident 
of Ottumwa, the publishers of this Ai.bim are 
pleased to present the portrait of Mr. Lewis in con- 
nection with this sketch, as also that of his estima- 
ble wife. 

eASWELL DENNIS, a prosperous farmer of 
Highland Township, has been a resident of 
Wapello County since the fall of 1864. He 
was born in East Tennessee in 1817, his parents 
being Thomas and Charity^ (Beason) Dennis, both 
natives of North Carolina, from which they re- 
moved to Tennessee at an early period in the his- 
tory of that State. Thomas Dennis was of Irish 
birth and parentage, and his mother descended 
from English ancestors. Mr. Dennis, of our sketch, 
removed from his native State in 1 841 , to Shelby 
County, Ind., and for two years was engaged there 
in farming, thence removing to Schuyler County, 
Mo., where he lived until August, 18G4, when he 
came to this county. He first located in Conipe- 
tine Township, but after two 3'ears purchased 
eightj^ acres on section 1.5 of Highland, which con- 
stitutes his present homestead. He has added to 
his origiu.al purchase until he now owns 102 acres, 
which are flnel}' improved and in a good state of 
cultivation. 

The parental household of our subject included 



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twelve children, of whom ]Mi'. Dennis is the only 
one living. He was married in his native State to 
Miss Cyrene Yadon, a native of his own State, and 
the daughter of William and Jlargaret (Capps) 
Yadon, natives of the same State. Of this union 
there were born six children, as follows : "William 
A., the eldest, died in infancy; Silas M. is engaged 
in the grocer}' trade in Ottumwa; E. J. became the 
wife of J. R. Alexander, a carpenter of Kansas 
City, Mo. ; Sarah E. married J. W. McCormick, of 
Highland Township; ^lar}- M. became the wife of 
William H. Stevenson, engaged in the grocery 
business in Ottumwa; John B. is an employe of the 
Fii-st National Bank of Iowa. The mother of these 
children departed this life in 1873, aged forty- 
three 3-ears, having been born in 1830. 

The second wife of' our subject was Miss E. J. 
Capps, of Indiana, to whom he was married in 1874. 
She was born in 1833, and is the daughter of Will- 
iam and Anna Capps. Mr. Dennis is one of the 
law-abiding citizens of Highland Township, and a 
member in good standing of the Regular Baptist 
Church. 




-*- 



N. DAVIS, of Highland Township, owns 
and occupies a snug homestead on section 
31, where he has sixt}- acres of valuable land, 
and at present is engaged in dairying. ]Mi-. 
Davis is a native of this county, and was born in 
,j 1854. His parents were Abraham and Electa 
! (Stearns) Davis, natives of New York. The father 
: died in 1856, at the age of forty-five years; the 
; mother still lives in Center Township. 

Our subject was raised on a farm, receiving his 
i : primary education in the public schools, and Ci>m- 
j : pleted his studies at the Business College in Ot- 
Ij : tumwa. He was married in 1884, to Miss Lulu 
\\ z ^^ hitsett, a native of Kansas, and the daughter of 



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E Whitsett, natives respectively of Ohio and Iowa. 



\fS, Mrs. Davis was born in Jeffers<;)ii Count}-, Kan., in 
iljl 1860. Her father was a tinsmith by trade, and de- 
i-i? parted this life in 1862, at the age of thirty-two; 
: the mother is still living, and a resident of Powe- 
,; : shiek County, Iowa. Mrs. Davis is a lady of much 



intelligence and of good education, having been a 
teacher in this vicinity for several 3'ears before her 
marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are active mem- 
bers f)f the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. 
Davis is Steward of the church and Superintendent 
of the Sunday-school, and ^Mrs. Davis is a teacher 
in the school. 



<* IMLLIAM ROBERTSON, a highly respected 
\/iJ/i i'6sident of Highland Township, was born 
^^ in Perry County, Ind., in 1827, and is 
the sou of George and Annie (Ketterinan) Rob- 
ertson, natives respectivelj^ of Kentucky and 
Marjiand. The former came to Wapello County 
in 1847, and located with his family on a tract of 
land in Highland Township. This consisted of 1 20 
acres, and forms the present homestead of our sub- 
ject, he having resided upon it continuouslj' since 
that time. The father died in 1861. 

AVilliam Robertson and Miss Elizabeth Van 
Winkle, of Indiana, were united in marriage in 
1854, and became the parents of seven children, 
the record of whom is as follows: George D. lives 
in Highland Township on a farm ; James F. is also 
a resident of the same township ; W. H. is engaged 
in farming on his father's homestead ; Maiy Ma- 
tilda became the wife of Lincoln Dimmitt; Isaac 
E., Emery and Thomas are at home. Mr. Robert- 
sou has been greatly prospered in his farming pur- 
suits, and added to his original purchase until he 
is now the possessor of 643 acres, mostly improved, 
and a large part under cultivation. His fine resi- 
dence was erected at a cost of §3,000, and his barn 
of $1,000. The family is surrounded bj' all the 
comforts of life, and many of its luxuries, and 
both within and without the home gives evidence 
of cultivated tastes and ample means. 

In addition to the general routine c>f farming, 
Mr. Robertson has given considerable attention to 
the breeding of fine stock, and has a herd of graded 
cattle which will compare with those of any other 
gentleman in this section. He commenced life a 
poor boy, at the foot of the ladder, and has climbed 
up to his present position soleh' by the exercise of 
his own iudustr}' and perseverance, and he has his 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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reward in the profound respect and esteem of his 
fellow-citizens, and the competency which is the 
result of honest toil and wise management. Mr. 
Robertson is Democratic in politics, and conscien- 
tiously casts his vote in support of the principles 
of his party. Since coming to this locality he h.as 
been prominent in the councils of his fellow-towns- 
men, and has been honored with the various offices 
in their gift. Mrs. Robertson and Mary Matilda 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; 
(t. I)., W. II. and I. E. are connected with the First 
Baptist Church of (Jttumwa. The entire family is 
widely and favorably known throughout this sec- 
tion. 

E. HOUGHLAND, Claim Agent at Eldon, 
this county, is a native of Lee County, Iowa, 
born in 1844. Jlis parents were Elza and 
Sarah (Adair) lloughland, natives of Ohio 
and Indiana, respectively, the former being born 
in Washington County, and the latter in La Fay- 
ette, Tippecanoe Count}'. After their marriage they 
first settled in La Fayette, Ind., whence they re- 
moved to Ft. Madison, Iowa, in 1838. The city 
was then an humble hamlet, consisting of a few 
scattering houses, and the place upon which they 
settled is now occupied by solid, substantial brick 
business blocks. Elza lloughland was a carpenter 
by occupation, and also officiated as a local preacher 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He spent the 
remainder of his days in Ft. Madison, and died in 
1857, at the age of fifty -five years. The wife and 
mother survived him until Sept. 8, 1884, and de- 
parted this life at the home of her son in Eldon. 

The subject of our sketch came into Wapello 
County and located at Eldon in 1 879. He had 
previously been a resident of Washington, Iowa, 
where he was engaged as a wholesale and retail 
dealer in groceries for a -period of three years, after 
which he went to Brighton, Iowa, where he en- 
gaged in the hardware business for six years, and 
then came to Eldon. During the first j'ears of his 
residence here he was employed as a carpenter and 
builder, and pursued this vocation until the spring 
of 1883, when he commenced the manufacture of 
brick and tile. While in Washington he was asso- 



ciated with his brother, William D. Houghland, 
and they continued in the manufacture of brick 
and tile until the spring of 1884. Our subject 
opened an office for his present business Dec. 16, 
1885, as pension claim agent. 

Mr. lloughland was married, Sept. 27, 1871, to 
Miss Emma McCoy, of Cadiz, Ohio, daughter of 
AMlliam and Esther McCoy, and they have become 
the parents of three children — Ida 1)., Thomas C. 
and Nellie E. Mr. H. is prominently connected 
with the affairs of this locality, and identified with 
nearly everj' movement tending to the promotion 
of morality and education. He belongs to the A. 
F. <fe A. M., is Secretary of the School Board, also 
of the G. A. R. Hall Association, and a member of 
the Board of Directors of the Building and Loan 
Association ; he is also a large stockholder in the 
last-mentioned associations. Mr. Houghland is also 
Notary Public, general insurance agentj and west- 
ern land agent. 

During the progress of the late Civil War Mr. 
II. enlisted as a soldier at Ft. ISIadison, July 14, 
1862, in Co. E, 19th Iowa Vol. Inf., serving two 
years as a private, and was then promoted Color- 
Bearer. He participated in the siege and capture of 
\'icksburg and all the engagements and skirmishes 
of that campaign. He was taken prisoner at Sterl- 
ing Farm, La., and confined ten months at Camp 
Ford, near Tyler, Tex. After returning from the 
war he was appointed to the position of guard at 
the Penitentiarj- at Ft. Madison, i*n 1866, and after- 
ward promoted to turnkey, his duty being to re- 
ceive and discharge men through the gates, and 
escort visitors through the various wards and de- 
partments of the institution. He owns and occu- 
pies a handsome residence in the town of Eldon, 
and is classed among the best residents of this 
locality. 

\Mlliam D. Houghland, the brother of our sub- 
ject, and formerly associated with him in partner- 
ship, is a native of Tippecanoe County, Ind., born 
in 1832. He came to Iowa with his parents when 
a child, and accompanied them when the}' located 
at Ft. Madison. He was married, in 1855, to Miss 
Jeannette Mallet, a native of the Hawkeye State, 
and daughter of Tompkins P. and Cassandra (Pope) 
Mallet, natives of Ohio, and became the parent of 



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three children, as follows : Carrie Belle is the wife 
of George Kent, of St. Paul, Minn., who is engaged 
■BS a batcher and carries on a provision store ; Katie 
Lee is a dressmaker in St. Paul, and Gracie Ellen, 
the youngest, is in the same city with her sisters. 
Mr. William U. Houghlaud was the second time 
married, in 1878, to Miss Aldora Belle Graham, 
of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of J. H. Gra- 
ham. They occupy a pleasant home in the village 
of Eldon, and are highly respected members of 
society. 

During the progress of the late war Mr. II. also 
enlisted as a soldier, in the 19th Iowa Infantry, 
serving" six months, when, on account of ill-health, 
he was discharged and returned home. During this 
time he was in various skirmishes and engagements 
with his regiment, but escaped unharmed. He is 
connected with the G. A. R., the K. of P. and the 
I. O. O. F." Mr. and Mrs. H. are members in good 
standing of the Congregational Church. 



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ted in Eldon, and was engaged as a clerk for one 
year; he was afterward a real-estate and insurance 
agent. He has been a resident of the Ilawkeye 
State since 184.5, making his first location at Troy, 
in Davis County. In the spring of 1855 he re- 
moved to Jit. Pleasant, where he remained for six 
years, then returned to Troy, and engaged in the 
drug business for the following ten years. He then 
went to Van Buren Count}', and at Selma engaged 
in mercantile pursuits for five years. Thence he 
went to Brighton, and was engaged as general 
agent for the State to introduce to the people of 
Iowa that famous publication "Johnson's Encyclo- 
pedia," .-md was thus occupied until he established 
his present business at Eldon. 

Mr. Graham is a native of Oiiio, born in 1825, 
and the son of Andrew and Ruth (Carson) Graham, 
natives respectivel}- of South Carolina and East 
Tennessee. He was reared upon a farm in Cham- 
paign County, Ohio, and educated in the public 



^S) H. GRAHAM, a prosperous druggist of 
Eldon, established his business here in Sep- 
tember, 1 885. He has been a resident of 
Wapello County since 1878, when he loca- 



schools of that vicinity. He was an ambitious and 
energetic youth and made good progress in his 
studies and in the favorable opinion of his asso- 
ciates and fellow-citizens. He served as Justice 
of the Peace in that locality for several years and 
was honored with various other offices in the gift 
of his townsmen. 

The marriage of Mr. J. H. Graham and Miss 
Elizabeth M. Patterson was celebrated in Ohio in 
1845. Mrs. G. is a native of the same State as her 
husband, and they have become the parents of five 
children, as follows : William W. is a resident of 
Ottumwa; Aldora became the wife of William 
Houghland, of Eldon ; Mary E. is at home ; Charles 
L. is engaged in the drug house of Graham & 
Cook, of Nebraska, and Harvey A. is clerking for 
his brother William in Ottumwa. Mr. and Mrs. G. 
are members in good standing of the Congrega- 
tional Church, and Mr. G. is connected with the 
A. F. & A. M. and also with the I. O. G. T., of 
which his wife and daughter are also members. 

Andrew Graham, the father of our subject, was a 
soldier in the War of 1812, and at the close of his 
military services resumed his occupation as a 
farmer. He spent his latter days in Ohio, and de- 
parted this life in 1845, at the age of sixty-eight 
years. The faitiiful wife and mother passed to 
her final rest in 1«45. aged sixty _years. 




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(j^^ EBASTIAN LEELING, a highly respected 
of Columbia Township, is a fair 
itative of that useful German ele- 
ment which has contributed so materiall_y 
toward developing the resources of the West. He 
was born in Bavaria in 1822, and the year after at- 
taining his majority set sail for the New World. 
His parents were Sebastian and Elizabeth (Frank) 
Leeling, both natives of the same country as their 
son, and spent their entire lives there. The mother 
died when our subject'was a lad twelve years of 
age ; his father survived her, and departed this life 
at the ripe age of seventj^ years. 

After our subject had decided to emigrate to the 
United States he boarded the steamer "W^estphalia" 



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266 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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^? at Bremen, and after a voj'age of forty-seven days 

H9 landed in the city of New Orleans in the month of 

!^| February, 1844. He at once proceeded to Ohio, 

and engaged as a laborer in Cincinnati, where he 

remained for eighteen months. At that time the 

Territory of Iowa liad applied for admission into 

™s the Union as a State, and was holding out great in- 

IjlJ diicements to the j'oung and enterprising emigrant. 

Young Leeliug determined to visit the country 

beyond the Mississippi and see for jiimself what 

there was for him there. He first located in Van 

I Buren County, purchasing a tract of unimproved 

land, and for ten years thereafter he labored to rc- 

C deem the soil from its original condition, with fair 

'^ success, but, believing he could do better in another 

locality, came into Wapello County, purchased 1 GO 

acres of land, and estalilished the homestead which 

lie now owns and occu|)ies. A part of this had 

been improved .-it the time he took possession of it, 

^ Tj but he has added greatl}- to its original value. In 

[} ^ 1870 he erected a fine farm dwelling at a cost of 

i|p^ ^;3,000, and a barn at *700. He now has all the 

(! jl appliances of a first-class agriculturist, and as a 

jiisirfl f.armer and business man is considered a fine rep- 

K m resentative of a more than ordinarily intelligent 

community. 

Mr. Leeling was married in 1849, in Missouri, to 
iSIiss Caroline Hugus, who was born in Westmore- 
land County, jPa., in 1831. She was the daughter 
I ^^ of .Jacob and Ann Maria (Crider) Hugus, and by 
her union with our subject became the mother of 
ten children, who are recorded as follows: John is 
engagedju farming in this.county ; George__died in 
the fall of 18<S2, at the age of .thirty-one years and 
nine months; Samuel is a farmer, also of this 
county, together with his brothers^ Clemence H. 
and Charles; Mary^is the wife of Gideon Dott; 
h (iidius lives in this count}'; Paul E., Hue and 
^Elizabeth are at home. The parents feel a just 
ii pride in this fine famil}- of children, the family cir- 
h. cle having been invaded only once by the grim 
destroyer. The family- are faithful adherents of 
the Catholic Church, and parents and children to- 
gether combine to form one of the most pleasant 
and happy households in the land. 

Mr. L. has been prominent in the affairs of his 
township, and has been the encourager and sup- 



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porter of every measui-e having for its object the 
advancement of education and morality. He started 
in life without means or any substantial aid. and 
his present possessions are the result of iiis own in- 
dustry and good management. Aside from the 
ordinary pursuits of agriculture he has given con- 
siderable attention to stock-raising, and sells an- 
nuall}' fifteen to twenty head of fine cattle. 

ylLLIAM M. DIMMITT, of Dahlouega 
Township, became a resident of Wapello 
Count}', Iowa, in the spring of 1845. He 
is a native of Indiana, and was born in 1.S22, on 
the farm of his father, where he was reared to 3-ears 
of manhood. His parents were William and Su- 
sanna (Elliott) Dinimitt, both natives of Tennessee, 
and reared near the city of Knoxville. Our sub- 
ject, with his parents, removed from Indiana to 
Iowa with an ox-team, and they were twenty -six 
da3's on the road. They at once came into this 
county, and settled on section 10, in Uahlonega 
Township, where our subject purchased a quarter- 
section of laud on section U). and proceeded to 
open up a farm, and occupied it for the following 
six years, thence removing to section 3, where he 
now lives. 

Mr. Dimmitt was married on the 1st of .lanuar}', 
1850, to Miss Matilda Padgett, who was born in 
Fountain County, Ind., in 1821). By her union 
with our subject she became the mother of eight 
children, as follows: William H.. of Dahlonega 
Township; R. C, also of that township; Mar}', the 
wife of John Long of Keokuk County ; John, a 
farmer of Madison County; Filana, the wife of 
Frank Giltner of this township; Clydena died at 
the age of nine months; Mattie and Freddie are at 
hi ime. 

The lu)mestead of our subject comi)rises 245 
acres of land, mostly improved, with a comfortable 
farm dwelling, good barns, and all the ai)pliances 
of a first-class farm estate. Of late he has been 
quite extensively engaged in buying and feeding 
stock, turning out about fifteen head of fat cattle 
annually. His possessions are solely the result of 
his own perseverance and industry. He commenced 



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life at the foot of the ladder, with no one to depend 
upon but himself, and in his latter j'ears is a marked 
illustration of what maj- be accomplished by reso- 
lution and enterprise. He is a highl3' esteemed 
business man, and in all respects is fulfilling the ob- 
ligation devolving upon him as a valued member 
of society. Politically Mr. 1). is a Republican, and 
uniformly casts his vute in support of the principles 
of that party. 

The father of our snliject was one of the early 
settjers of Indiana, and departed this life in Dahlo- 
nega Township in 18.5.'). The mother survived her 
husband only two years, dying in 18.57. The father 
of Mrs. Dimmitt, George Pagett Ity name, was a 
native of Kentucky, and in early manhood was 
married to Miss Catherine Booker. He died in 
1836, in Worthington, Ind., and the mother twelve 
3'ears later, in 1848, in Fountain County, the .same 
State. 




M. JONES, a native of Shenandoah, Va., 
has been a resident of Highland Township 
since 1870, and is well and favorably known 
in this community as possessed of qualities which 
constitute an honest man and good citizen. The 
birth of our subject took place in 1813, and his 
parents were Thomas and Nancy (Wood) Jones, 
both natives of the Old Dominion. About ten 
years after the birth of their son they removed to 
Ohio and settled in Gallia County, where they 
lived for ten years. Thence they went to Fulton 
County, 111., where for a period uf forty years our 
subject engaged in farming pursuits, and in 1870 
came to Wapello Count^^, Iowa, and located in 
Highland Township on section 10, which consti- 
tutes his present homestead. His farm includes 
205 acres of valuable land, to which he has added 
many improvements since it came into his posses- 
sion. 

Mr. Jones was united in marri.age with Miss 
Mary Cozad, a native of Illinois, who by her union 
with iiur subject became the mother of the follow- 
ing children: Nancy married Thomas Livingstone, 
of Page Count}', Iowa; Sarah, Mrs. Ellas Shaw, 
lives in Fulton County, III.; Mary Ann became 
the wife of Henry Oviatt, of Fulton Couuty, 111. 



The mother of these children departed this life on 
the 1st of February, 1844, and for his second wife 
Mr. Jones married Miss Caroline Buffum, a native 
of Ohio, who bore him six children, as follows : 
Thomas L., during the late war, enlisted in thepi 
103d Illinois Infantry, and was killed at the battle 
of Lookout Mountain, June 22, 1864; Richard 
died at home June 22, 1862, at the age of sixteen 
years; Sarah became the wife of Amaziah Shaw, 
and lives in Kansas; George W. is a resident of 
Fulton County, III. : Isaac N. lives in Wayne 
County, Iowa; Betsy A. married John Wycoff, of 
McDonough County, HI. Mrs. Caroline Jones de- 
parted this life Jan. 2.5, 1870, and for his third 
wife Mr. J. married Miss Eliza Summers, in August, 
1870. Of this marriage there were born three ; 
children — Allen W., Lemuel W. and Benjamin C, 
all at home. 

Mr. Jones is a member of the Missionary Baptist 
and his wife of the Christian Church. Our subject 
takes an intelligent interest in the affairs of his 
township, and has served as School Director for a 
period of twelve j^ears. He has been engaged in 
farming pursuits the greater part of his life, al- 
though he followed milling for three 3-ears in Illi 





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nois. He was onl}^ two years old ^vhen his father R ij 

died, and was reared b}' his stepfather, who trained [[ 

him to habits of industry by which he became 
fitted for the later duties of life, which he was en- 
abled to grapple with success. 



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^HOMAS W. IIOLLINGSWORTH, a highly WM^ 
esteemed farmer and stock-raiser of Green I! 1: ij I 

. Township, owns and occupies a valuable ; I! pi! lU, 

homestead on section 11, where he is successfully I UP ^; W: 
managing the various departments of his choson 'l ^r^il l 
calling. The subject of this history is a native of 
Clarke Couutj', Ohio, and was born Nov. 10, 1843. 
His parents were J. W. and Nancy (Maholem) Hoi- -— - , 
lingsworth, the father a native of Virginia and the hH 
mother of Ohio. The parental household consisted ■^'^ 
of five children, three sons and two daughters, of 
whom the record is as follows; Sarah E., now de- 
ceased, became the wife of Michael Baum; T. W., 
the subject of this sketch, was the second child : 



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268 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Frances married D. L. Gephart, a resident of Great 
Bend, Barton Co.. Kan.; IL C. is Superintendent 
of Schools at Centerville, Iowa ; J. P. is operating 
tlie old homestead for his father. 

The parents of onr subject Ciune to Wapello 
Count}-, Iowa, in 1.S44, and J. W. Hollingsworth 
assisted to build the first cabin on the present site 
of the city of Ottuinwa. He was thus fully en- 
titled to be ranked among the pioneer settlers of 
this region. He came to Iowa when horses were a 
uxurj' and oxen in great demand. He was a mil- 
er bj' trade and was also engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. As a stirring, energetic citizen, indus- 
trious and enterprising, he commanded the respect 
and esteem of his neighbors, and became une of the 
leading citizens of this community. 

The subject of our sketch has spent the greater 
part of his life in farming pursuits. His early ad- 
vantages were quite limited, but he was possessed 
of more than ordinary intelligence, and keenh' ob- 
servant of what was going on around him in the 
world. He thus obtained a good fund of inform- 
ation which served him well, and he has always 
kept himself well posted in matters of general in- 
terest. He remained under the parental roof until 
the breaking out of the late Civil War, and then 
proffered his services as a soldier to assist in the 
preservation of the Union. He accordingly became 
a member of Co. E, 36th Iowa Vol. Inf., and was 
mustered into service at Davenport, in Februar}', 
1864. His regiment was at once ordered to Little 
Rock, Ark., and after remaining there in camp 
three or four weeks, set out on the Camden expe- 
dition, and participated in all the liattles of that 
campaign until they were mustered out at Devall's 
J?luff, Ark. Mr. H. then returned to Davenport, 
where he received his honorable discharge on the 
21st of August, 1865. 

After our subject had been transformed from a 
soldier into a citizen, he resumed his farming pur- 
suits upon his purchase of 100 acres of land on 
section 11, which constitutes his present homestead. 
On the 24th of November, 1868, he was united in 
marriage with Mi.ss Sarah Baird. She was born in 
Zanesville, Ohio, Jan. 8, 1844, and is the daughter 
of James P. and Rebecca (Davis) Baird, natives 
respectively of Virginia and Ohio. Thej' are still 



living, and are residents of Prairie City, Iowa. « 
Mr. and Mrs. II. have become the parents of ; 
three children: Laura B. was born Feb. 14, 1872, 
and is the only one living; the eldest born and the 
youngest died in infancy. (_)ur subject and his wife 
are prominently connected with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and sociall}^ Mr. H. belongs to 
Clautman Post Xo. 69, G. A. H., of Ottumwa. 
Politically he is a stanch Republican, and uniformly 
casts his vote in support of the principles of that 
party. He is classed among the representative 3? i 
farmers of Wapello County, and in all respects is 
fulfilling the obligations of a good citizen. 



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C. HUMBERT is a farmer and stock-gi-ower S'h 

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on section 26, Agency Township. He was 3ii 



born in Somerset County. Pa., April 22, |: 
1827, and is a son of Jacob and Hester (Cre- fj 



ner) IIuml)ert, both natives of Penus3-lvania. His j; 



father died Maj' 16, l!S71, and his mother Dec. 2.5, \; 

1886. in her native State, in the eightieth year of f 

her age. The subject of this sketch married Lj'dia 3f 

Dietz, in February, 1852; she is a daughter of j' 

Adam and Elizabeth (Long) Dietz, the former of 3[ 

3: 

whom died in Pennsylvania in June, 1852, and the 3i 
latter Nov. 5, l!-i75. For many years her father ^ 
was a teacher in the public schools and was also a 3|J 
veterinary surgeon. pn 

In 1857 H. C. Humbert came to Wapello Countj', 3=[ 
where he has since continued to reside, with the ex- 
ception of two years spent in Nebraska. In 1862 
he enlisted, and was made Captain of Co. E, 22d 
Iowa Vol. Inf., and served eighteen months, being 
discharged on account of disability contracted 
while in the service. He was in the battle of Black 
River Bridge and in the siege of Vicksburg. While 
yet a resident of Pennsylvania, lie held a Captain's 
commission in the uniformed militia of the State 
for five years. He was subsequently commissioned at } 
Major of the 16th regiment of the Pennsylvania pj 
State Militia, and served as such for four years, a |i} 
part of which time he was absent on the staff of 
Gen. Ross. 

Capt. Humbert h.as been honored by his fel- 3;} 
low-citizens with many local offices. At present he 3? 




5WEEDISH EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 0TTUMWA,1A. REVIVI.P.ODEN PASTOR 



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ST. JOSEPH'S CONVENT AND HOSPITAL , OTTUMWA , lA 



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is President of the School Board of his district, 
of which he was Secretary for some years. He was 
also Coroner of the countj' one term. Capt. Hum- 
bert owns a farm of fortj' acres of well-improved 
land, and for some years has made a specialty of rais- 
ing White Cochin and Partridge Cochin chickens. 

Capt. H. is a member of the G. A. R. and A. F. 
& A. jM. Religiously he is connected with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church; his wife is a member 
of the Free-will Baptist. Politically our subject 
is a Republican. He is well known to the citizens 
of AVapello County, and in every enterprise cal- 
culated for the public good he is in the front rank. 
No man in the county enjoys the respect and con- 
fidence of his fellow-citizens in a greater degree. 



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jk^ ICHAEL HECKART, a prominent and 
/// l\\ successful farmer of Green Township, has 
il Ib been a resident of this locality since the 
* fail of 1850, and the possessor of a valuable 

homestead of 200 acres located on sections 22 and 
28. He purchased it from the Government when 
first coming to the township, and since that time 
has been continuously engaged in its improvement 
and cultivation. Under his wise and judicious 
management it has become one of the handsomest 
and most valuable bodies of land in this section, 
and with its fine residence, good barns and out- 
buildings and valuable domestic animals, presents 
one of the most attractive spots in this section of 
Iowa. 

The subject of this biography is a native of 
Dauphin County, Pa., and was born in 1822. He 
is the son of Jost and Mary E. (Schneider) Heck- 
art, both natives of Dauphin County, Pa. The 
former served as a soldier during the War of 1812, 
and departed this life in 1858. The motlier of our 
subject survived the partner of her youtli for a 
period of twenty-three years, and folded her hands 
for lier final rest in January, 1882, at the advanced 
age of eighty-seven 3-ears, having made her resi- 
dence with our subject during the latter part of her 
life. Jost Heckart was a farmer and millwright, 
and carried on these joint occupations successfully 



He was an en- i • 

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and profitabl}'. Both parents were connected with 
the Presbyterian Church, and were highly esteemed 
members of societ}'. 

Michael Heckart, at the age of sixteen j-ears, in 
1838, moved with his parents to Ralls County, Mo., 
where the fatlier purchased a farm, 
terprising and 
trained to habits of industry b}^ his careful and W K 
conscientious i)arents, consequentl}^ he was well lu K 
fitted, even at that earl}^ age, to begin the struggle 
of life for himself. He at once engaged at carpen- 
ter work, at which he served a thorough apprentice- 1 1! 
ship, and when not occupied at his trade accepted 
employment at farming pursuits. He remained in 
Missouri for a period of twelve years, and then 
went up North into Iowa, making his location in 
Green Township, Wapello County, which has been 
his home since that time. 

April 6. 1848, wliile living in Ralls County, Mo., 
Mr. Heckart was united in marriage with Miss 
JIary M. Moj'er, a daughter of Adam Miiyer, a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania, where jNIrs. H. was also born, 
April 7, 1828. Mr. and Mrs. Heckart became the 
parents of eleven children, the record of whom is 
as follows: John A. is a carpenter b}" trade and a 
resident of Adams Township; he married Sadie 
Spangler; Frances became the wife of Frank Price, 



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and after his death she married J. Sproal Randolph, | _ 
of Adams Count}> Iowa; Mattie E. is at home; |i 
Lilibie married Marion Iligilon, of Colorado; Mol- 
lie became the wife of Charles Richej', also of that 
State; William is engaged as a carpenter and farmer 
in Nebraska; he married Carrie Howk; Rebecca 
is the wife of Charles Reinhard, of this county; 
Joseph is also a i-esident of this county ; Adala and 
Charles are at home. Mrs. Mary Heckart departed 
this life M.ay 14, 1883, lamented by a large circle 
of friends and acquaintances, and her remains are 
interred in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. 

For his second wife Mr. Heckart, in September, 
1884, maiTied Miss Rosa, daughter of F. L. Back- 
man, of Green Township, and of their union there 
has been born one child,a daughter — Ruth. Mr. 
Heckart is a member of the Presbyterian, his wife 
of the Protestant Jletliodist Chvirch, to the sup- 
port of which tliey contribute liberally' and cheer- 
fully. Mr. II. is a Democrat in politics. In addi- 



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272 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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tion to his general farming operations he is devot- 
ing considerable attention to the breeding of fine 
stock, which inclndes horses, cattle and hogs, lie 
has two fine stallions. '•Tenil)erline" and "Black- 
hawk," which are models of symmetr}- and beauty, 
and all his animals are high grade, among them be- 
ing some of the finest and most valuable exhibited 
by any stock-lu'ceder in this section of the Hawk- 
eye State. 

M. GIBBS, one of the representative farm- 
ers and stock-raisers of Cass T(jwnship, is 
the owner of a valuable farm estate on sec- 
tions 25 and 3G, where for many years he 
has been industriously engaged in cultivating the 
soil, and building up for himself an honored posi- 
tion among his fellow-citizens. Our subject was 
born in Athens County, Ohio, on the 4tii of Decem- 
ber, 1831, and is the son of Wareham and Eliza- 
beth Gibbs, both natives of A'ermont. They were 
there married, and removed to Pennsylvania about 
the year 1817, whence, in 1822, they .went to 
Athens Countj', Ohio. There the father became a 
prominent citizen, in due time being elected Sheriff 
of the county several terms, and holding other im- 
])ortant positions. He finally became engaged in 
coal-mining, and opened up the first mine of this 
description in the Hocking Valley in about 1836. 
His transactions extended over a large amount of 
territory, and he became the owner of a line of 
boats which navigated the Hocking Canal, and 
were used for transporting the product of his mine 
to different points. The elder Gibbs operated in 
this manner until 1847, and then resolved to seek 
the farther West. Crossing the Mississippi and 
coming into Wapello Count}', this State, he entered 
IGO acres of land in Cass Township, and began to 
improve a farm, with the intention of establishing 
a permanent home. Here also he met with abund- 
ant success, and as time passed on added to his first 
purchase until he liecame the owner of 320 acres, 
all in one body. 

In addition to his own personal interests iMr. 
Gibbs also took an active part in the progress and 
ilevelopment of the township, and was the sup- 





porter and enconrager of ever}- enterprise calcu- Si 
lated for its advancement. He contributed toward 
the establishment of schools and religious societies, 3*; 
and was prominently connected with the Metliodist : t 
Episcopal Church. He early became identified EH 
with the Masonic fraternity, of which he renuiined §; 
an honored member until his death, which took ;: 
place in 1803, being called while still actively en- 1 
gaged in the duties and labors of a busy life. His ;' 
first wife, the mother of our subject, preceded her !■ 
husband to the better land about thirty years, her j 
death occurring in 1833. Of their union there had l^ 
been born seven children, five sous and twodaugli- • 
ters, as follows: Cortland, deceased; Eliza, the 3':i 
wife of Benjamin Hoskinsous; Harriet and Harris, ; } 
deceased; Homer was wounded at the battle of :!^i 
Poison Springs, and captured by the rebels, and 3;^ 
died in Camden (Ark.) prison; George, a soldier of 3-} 
the Mexican War, under Gen. Taylor, was killed : [H 
while in the service ; R. M., our subject, was the 3 
youngest of the family. After the death of his :^ 
first n'ife, AVareham (iibbs was again married, in : If 
183.5, to Mrs. Spencer, a widow, and they became : ,• 
the parents of three children: Charles is in Oregon; ::2| 
Elias, a ranchman of Medicine Lodge, Kan., and 3-;H 
John, who died in infancy. This last lady died in : S 
1842, and tiie last years of Mr. Gibbs were sjaent : ^ 
with his children. 3- 

The subject of this history was trained to habits '- 
of industry by his excellent parents, and at an 3; 
early age began life on his own account. His a; 
school education was extremely limited, but he was : !| 
possessed of a bright and observing mind, and ob- : 
tained a fund of useful information in keeping his ; 
eyes open to what was going on around him, and : 
perusing carefully the few books and papers which ; J 
came in his way. He was also possessed of excel- 3 ; ]] 
lent judgment, and while yet a young man had ; )j 
saved his e;irnings, so that in 1850, when only nine- 3 J] 
teen years of age, he became the purchaser of fifty- 3| j 
two acres of land, to which he added as time passed ;' i 
on, buying and improving, and then selling each : i 
time to good advantage. He purchased his pres- ;;h 
ent homestead in 18Go, it then consisting of 110 3:, 
acres. Besides this he owns eighty acres in Colum- 5, i 
bia 4'owuship. all of which is under a fine state of ;:i 
cultivation. : j 



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AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



273 



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On the 7th of November, 1852, after our subject 
had made his first purchase of land, and thei-e was 
a good prospect of his being able to provide for a 
famil.y, he was united in marriage with ^Miss Los- 
eania Olney, who was born in McLean County, 111., 
and was the daughter of Oman and Tryphena 
(Cheadle) Olney. Her father was a native of 
Nova .Scotia, and her mother of Vermont. They 
are both now deceased, the father at his death be- 
ing about seventy-two years of age, and the mother 
sixty^nine. They were kind and judicious parents, 
useful members of society, and active workers in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs there 
were born ten children, three s<ins and seven daugh- 
ters: Ursula died at the age of ten j'ears; Eliza 
became the wife of Dr. N. J. Hyatt, and lives in 
Van Wert, Iowa; Sarah married William S3'livan, 
a farmer of Custer County, Neb. ; Chloe married 
Edward Marshall, roadmaster on the A., T. & S. F. 
R. K., and they live in Colorado; Charles is de- 
ceased ; Sherman is a resident of Washington Ter- 
ritory ; Edward died when seven years old ; Clara 
is deceased ; Lena is at home with her parents, and 
Alta at school. 

Mr. Gibbs for many years has been prominent 
in the general and political affairs in tliis section, 
and is a stanch Republican, in which party he ex- 
erts a strong influence in this vicinity. He has 
been Chairman of the Republican Central Com- 
mittee for a number of }'ears, and has always oc- 
cupied a position in the front rank as the supporter 
of public improvements, and every measure tend- 
ing to the development and progress of his town- 
ship and county. He has been honest and out- 
spoken in his views, which have always been held 
in respect even by those who have been compelled 
to differ with him. He has also been foremost in 
the establishment of educational facilities, and is in 
all respects the stanch supporter of morality and 
good order. Mrs. Gibbs is a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church of Cass Township, and has 
contributed liberally' and cheerfully to its mainte- 
nance and growth. 

In addition to general farming, Mr. (Jibbs has 
given especial attention to the breeding of high- 
grade cattle, of which he has a fine herd which will 



compare favorably with any that can be exhibited 
in this section of country. The homestead, in all 
its appointments, denotes thrift and prosperity, and 
is one of the attractive spots to which the atten- 
tit)n of the traveler throughout the country is in- 
variably turned. To such men as Mr. Gibbs is 
"Wapello CoiMity indebted for her present position 
among the wealthy and intelligent communities of 
the areat commonwealth of Iowa. 



•A IfelLLIAM H. LEWIS, a highly esteemed 
\rJ/ citizen of Ottumwa, is a gentleman of fine 
^/^ abilities, well read and intelligent, and oc- 
cupies a prominent position among the better class 
of citizens of this locality. He has been a resident 
of Ottumwa since 1857, first occupying himself at 
his trade of plastering, and subsequently' became a 
successful contractor, which business he followed 
until the spring of 187G. He then moved upon a 
farm in Center Township, and followed agricultural 
pursuits until 1882, when he returned to Ottumwa 
and was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace. 
The duties of this position he fulfilled with great 
credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents ; 
he is now retired. 

The subject of this history was born in the little 
city of Urbana, Champaign Co., Ohio, Aug. 30, 
1832. He is the son of William and Ruth (Pearce) 
Lewis, and his father was a native of Kentuckj-, 
in which State he was born on the 15th of May, 
1810; the mother was a native of Ohio. Tlie 
parental household included five children, who are 
recorded as follows: William II., our subject, was 
the eldest born; Louisa is deceased; Theophilus 
enlisted as a soldier in the late war and was killed 
in battle nearOldtown, Miss., in 18G2; George died 
iu infancy; Clara died in California about 1877. 
When our subject was about thirteen years of age 
his father removed into Illinois, and there the 
mother's decease occurred in 1815. 

>Vhen he had arrived at the age of fifteen years 
joung Lewis was apprenticed to the trade of a 
plasterer in Peoria, III., where he remained four 
years. He then went to the rapidly growing town 
of Pekin, where he was at once busily engaged at 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 









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his trade, and the father received the contract in 
his department for some of tiie largest buildings 
tlien in |)rofess of construction. On the 10th of 
.September. 18.57, in Kappa. 111., he was united in 
wedlock with Miss JIary ^'. .Tones, and soon after- 
ward removed to Ottuniw;i, Iowa. Mrs. L. is the 
daughter of Charles, Jr., and Mary (Viuing) Jones, 
natives of Massacluisetts. Siie was born in No- 
vember, 1.S40, and by her union with our subject 
l)ecame the mother of live children, as follows: 
Josephine L. was born Nov. 14, 1H;}«; Jennie A., 
Oct. la, l.s(;2: Walter A., Oct. 19, 18G4; Clara A., 
Feb. 11, 1HG7, and Arthur, Aug. 12, 1875. 

Mr. Lewis has given his children the advantages 
of a liberal education, and his daughter, Miss Clara, 
is an artist of consideralde merit, and has painted a 
I portrait of her father which does great credit to 
her skill and genius. Tlie family residence is 
pleasantly located, aud in all respects is indicative 
of the cultivated tastes and the education of its 
inmates. Mr. Lewis is an extensive reader, and is 
the encourager aud suijporler of education, tem- 
perance and morality. in politics he is a Reijuli- 
liean, and socially belongs to the I. (). O. F. of ()1- 
tumwa. 







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with Drucilla Dashiell, born in Dearborn County, 
Ind., in 1833, and a daughter of John and Amelia 
(Duncan) Dashiell. Her parents were both natives ;:(i 
of Maryland, and died in Dearborn County, Ind. :;i 
Of this union there were two children : Mary, born : i 
Dec. 14, 1860, died in infancy, aud F. .M.. born : hi 
April 16, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Denison are mem- : h 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 
politics he is a Republican. 



A. JFNISON is a retired farmer, living 
in Kirkville. He was horn in Ripley 
County, Ind., June 2, 18;U,:uid is a son 
of Flias and Polly ((iookius) Jenison, na- 
tives of Massachusetts, but who moved to Indiana 
at an early day. The father died in that State and 
the mother in Ottumwa. Ripley County at this 
time was but little more th.-ui a wilderness, and it 
can well be reasoned that tiie advantages enjoyed 
by the subject of this sketch were very meager in- 
deed. Like many others he was early trained in 

IJi] work. In 18.54 he came to Iowa and located in 

^^y^ Mahaska County, where he lived until 1881, when 
he came to Kirkville, and has since lived a retired 
life. He yet owns the farm of 180 acres in Ma- 
haska County, together with sixty-three .acres of 
land in Wapello County, thirteen of which lie in 
the village limits of Kirkville. 

In 1857 Mr. Jenison was uniteil in m.arriage 



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JONATHAN HECKART, of (ireen Town 
ship, owns and occupies a homestead located 2 
on section 28. He has been a resident of : 
Wapello County since the fall of 1849, aud hn 
during a residence of over thirty-five years has j.J 
been a witness of remarkable and pleasing changes in 3j^ { 
this section of country. At that time Iowa had been " !!- 
onl3' a few- 3'ears before converted from a Territor}- : ^ 
into a State, and although emigration was rapidly : }j 
opening up farms and homesteads throughout the : S 
State, there was still an abundance of wild and un- 
cultivated lau<l. Mr. Heckart, in common with his 
brother pioneers, settled upon a new farm and in- 
dustriously set about its improvement and cultiva- : 

i tion. Tii;it he succeeded admirably his present : 
surroundings amph' indicate. His possessions con- : 
sist of fortj' acres of land, a good residence, and : 
everything pertaining to a first-class farm estate. : 
He is now retired from the more active labors of : 
life, .'ind in tlie consciousness of a life of honesty : 
and integrity, is p.assing his later days in jjcace and : [ 
contentment. 

Mr. Heckart is a native of Daupliiu County, Pa., jj} 
boin in 1810, and is the son of Jost and Mary 5 
(Schneider) Heckart, both natives of the same State = '■{ 
and of stanch German ancestry. Our subject emi- jX 
grated from liis native State at the age of twenty- : ^ 
one years, and proceeding southwest made his first : 71 
location in Ralls County, Mo. He remained there : if 
for the following twelve years, working at the trade ; ; 
of a carpenter, at which he had previously served ^ |x 
an aijprenticeshii) of two and one-half years under : ri 
the instruction of his father in Pennsylvania. In : -] 
tiu' meantime, during his residence in Missouri, lie : -,'; 

, was married, in 1842, to Miss Mary Ann Thomas, : -^ 

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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



275 



of Kentucky, who bore him one child, a daughter 
.named Nancy Thomas, who died in infancy. His 
j'oung wife only remained his companion for the 
short period of two years, dj'ing in September, 
1844, at the age of twenty-six years. 

Mr. H. was married the second time, Feb. 8, 
1849, to Miss Harriet E. Carman, of Harrison 
County, Mo. Of this union there were born ten 
cliildren, the record of whom is as follows : John 
Collins died at the age of eight j'ears ; Marj' Ann 
died in Januarj-, 1883, at the age of thirty-one 
3'ears; Ava .J. is at home; Lucy E. is the wife of 
William J. Davis, of Washington County, Iowa; 
Susanna is at home; Sarah EUen died in infancy; 
Martha Alice died in earh' childhood ; William 
Henrj- is at home ; Joseph Siegel died at the age of 
seven years, and Isaac Newton also died in child- 
hood. Mr. and ]\Irs. H. are prominently connected 
with the Presbj'terian Church, and in politics our 
subject is a stanch Republican. He and his son 
William jointly own and operate a saw and grist 
mill at Ormanville, this county, the proceeds of 
which j'ield them a handsome income. 

Joseph Heckart, the brother of our subject, dur- 
ing the progress of the late war enlisted in the loth 
Iowa Infantry, in which he served four and one- 
half years. He was known to have engaged in the 
battle of Atlanta, and during the siege disappeared 
from the sight of his comrades and was never after- 
ward heard from by his famil3' or friends. Another 
brother, Henrj-, enlisted in a Missouri regiment and 
was wounded, but recovered, and returned home at 
the close of the war. 



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DANGUARD, member of the flrai of 
John Hansmann's Union Brewery, and lo- 
cated in the city of Ottumwa, was born in 
^^ Baden, Germany, Feb. 3, 1849. In ac- 

; cordance with the custom of his native country, he 
\ was placed at school at an early age and completed 

■ his studies at the college of ^lanheiiu. At the age 
• of eighteen j'ears he emigrated to America and 

■ made his first location at Freeport, 111., where he 
; learned the printer's trade in the office of the 



Deutcher Anzeiger, William Wagner proprietor, 
with whom he remained until December, 1867. 
He then came to Iowa and secured employment in 
the office of the Council Bluffs Press. Three 3"ears 
later he established the Sioux City Courier, which 
he sold the following jear, and then coming to Ot- 
tumwa, established the Journal of this citj', which 
he operated until 188,5, and then sold to John A. 
Wagoner, the present proprietor. 

Mr. Danguard was married, in 1876, at Sioux 
City, to iliss Katie Munchrath. Mrs. D. was born 
in Dubuque, Iowa, in isr)6. The}' are established 
in a pleasant home in Ottumwa and enjoy the es- 
teem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 
Mr. D. belongs to the "Ottumwa Turnverein," a 
branch of the Xorth American Turener-Bund, also 
Burlington Lodge No. 132, K. of P., having filled 
various positions in the same, and is one of the most 
valued members. He is a gentleman of good ad- 
dress and flue intelligence, and numbers among his 
friends and associates the cultured people of his 
community. 




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M. HUGHES, "the Village Blacksmith" 
of Eldon, is a native of Davis County, 
Iowa, born in 1851. His parents were John 
L. and Martha (Loftus) Hughes, natives 
respectively of Virginia and Ohio, the former born 
in 1822, and his wife Martha, the following year. 
They became the parents of seven children — W. 
T., J. P., H. M., S. J., O. B., J. M. and R. G. They 
came to Iowa in 1848, and settled in Davis County. 
They are still living on a farm a short distance 
from Eldon, and enjojing in their later years the 
fruits of early toil and industry. They are most 
worthy and excellent people and highly respected 
in the community where they reside. 

H. M. Hughes learned the trade of blacksmithing 
soon after attaining his majoritj', and a few years 
later came to Eldon and established his present 
business, in which he has been uniformly successful. 
He is a skilled workman and has built >ip a large 
and profitable patron.age, besides fulfilling all the 
duties of a good citizen. In 1881 our subject was 






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•276 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



united in marriage with Miss Emma, the daughter 
of James Higdon, and a native of tlie Hawke^ye 
State. Of this union there have been born three 
children — Franli, P^thel and Ilurles. Thej' occupy 
a comfortable homestead and enjo\' the friendship 
and confidence of a large circle of acquaintances. 

Mr. and Mrs. PL are connected with the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, and Mr. H. is Township 
Trustee. He owns some valuable property in El- 
don and occupies a place among its worthiest citi- 
zens. He is a member in good standing of the I. 
O. O. F., and takes an interest in everj'thing per- 
taining to the welfare of his county and com- 
munity. 



'/^' ALE5 FOSTER, a farmer and stock-grower, 
l( will be found on section (i, Richland Town- 

■rnfir ^^y ship. He was born in New Brunswick, Oct. 
3 13 7, 1822, and is the son of George and Jerusha 
(A\'ortman) Foster, the former a native of England, 
and the latter of New Brunswick. His father came 
to America when about twenty-one years of age, 
and settled in New Brunswick, where he was mar- 
jp^; ried, and where the subject of this sketch was born. 




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In 1S24 the family moved from New Brunswick to 
Ohio, where the f.ather of Caleb engaged in farm- 
ing and teaching. His parents both died in Ohio. 

In 1847 Caleb Foster moved from Ohio to ^Nla- 
liaska County, this State, and remained there until 
18.50, when he removed to his i)resent farm, on 
which he has since continued to reside. On the 9th 
I! da3- of July, 184G, he was married to Melila J. 
i j i Pickens, the daughter of Alpha and Jane (Ander- 
i] :]yi son) Pickens, Ijoth of whom are now deceased. 



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Nine children were bcjrn of this union— Alfred, 
J. C, \y. A., Jerusha (deceased), INIary E. (de- 
ceased), M. .1., Agnes, Benjamin B. and George. 
Mrs. Foster died Sept. 8, 1870, and Mr. Foster was 
subsequentl3- marrried to Hannah Loveless, widow 
of T. A. Loveless, and daughter of James and 
Ann Murray. She was born in Buffalo, N. Y., 
March 25, 1828. To this union one child was born, 
J. B., now deceased. Mr. Foster owns fifty-five 
acres of well improved laud, where he now resides, 
and also owns 1 1 7 acres in Mahaska County, which 



are likewise well improved. He is a member of the : 
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which bod}' his wife 5 
is also a member. In politics he is a Republican. J 




on the 5th of January for San Francisco via New 



FRITZ, a prominent and representative cit- 
izen of Blakesburg, "Wapello County, is a 
native of Austria, born in the beautiful 
Province of Tyrol, on the 15th of October. 
He is the son of Benedict and \irneck 
(Yocum) Fritz, the latter of whom died in her na- 
tive country at the age of about fort}- years, when 
her son, our subject, was a lad ten years old. He 
still remembers her as a careful and affectionate 
mother, devoted to the religious faith of her fa- 
thers, that of the Catholic Church. She was buried 
near the old home in Tj-rol. and is held in sacred ! 
remembrance by the son, who, although so j'oung 
when she passed away, can recall her devoted and 
loving care. The father of our subject died in his 
native country in about 1859. and was also a Cath- 
olic, as w-ere most of the people of that part of the 
countrj\ Their children were carefully trained in 
the doctrines of that church. 

The parental household of our subject consisted ii[ 
of several children, five sous and two daughters. 
Joseph came to this country with the subject of our 
sketch, and died in Columbus, Ohio, in 1884; 
Benedict of this history w.as the second son ; Chris- 
tian is engaged in farming near Des Moines, Iowa; 
Anthouj', a baker by trade, is in his native laud ; : 
Priscilla died in the old ciiuntry in .about 1873; the 
second child died in infancy. 

Mr. Fritz left his native country for the I'nited 
States in the spring of 185;^>. The voy.age occu- 
pied thirtj'-six daj'S, and after landing in New Y'ork 
City he proceeded to Cleveland, Ohio, where his i 
brother Christian had previously located. Upon 
arriving he found that the latter had left there, and 
not being able to find out his whereabouts, went to 
Columbus, and there engaged as a house-painter, in 
which he was occupied for the following eight 
months. About this time came the glowing reports ^\ 
•about the quantity of gold to be found in Califor- • ^ 
nia, aud Mr. F. being seized with the fever, started 



i 

















York, and thence by steamer, arriving on tlie Pa- 
cific coast on the 2d of February, 1.S54, and pro- 
ceeded straight to the mines in Placer Connty, Cal., 
where he was engaged in searching for the shining 
ore for the following three years. He was success- 
ful in his enterprise, and in the year last mentioned 
returned eastward as far as Iowa, and coming to 
Wapello County, purchased ICO acres of laud iu 
Adams Township, on section 17, obtaining posses- 
sion of it in October. 

In the meantime, however, on the "iOth of Sep- 
tember, Mr. Fritz secured unto himself a partner 
and helpmeet in the person of Miss Annie Miller, 
a native of his own country. She was born May 
7, 1831, and was the daughter of Martin IMiller. 
Of this union there were eight children, as follows : 
Louise B., born July 13, 1858, became the wife of 
Moses Aberneth}^ a merchant and hotel-keeper of 
Blakesburg; William T. was born Jan 15, 1860, 
and is now the manager of his father's farm in 
Adams Township; Henry, born Nov. 25, 1862, is 
employed as a clerk by his brother-in-law, Mr. Aber- 
nethy; Jlatilda, born May 5, 1861, died Jlarch 20, 
1864, and is buried in the cemetery at Blakesburg; 
the next daughter, also named Matilda, was born 
Aug. 7, 1864, and married Jlr. Frank Hardy, a 
farmer residing near Blalvesburg; George, born 
Oct. 10, 1866, is now attending the Business Col- 
lege of Bryant & Stratton. at Chicago; Franklin, 
born Sept. 26, 1868, is attending the district school; 
and Gertrude C. was born Feb. 14, 1871. 

Mr. Fritz is the owner of about 1,000 acres of 
land. • He is extensivelj' engaged as a dealer in 
live-stock and is also interested in mercantile pur- 
suits. In addition to this he owns and superintends 
a gristmill. In his various business pursuits he 
has been remarkably successful and has accumulated 
a handsome competency. On departing from his 
native land he was possessed of a ver3' small amount 
of this world's goods, and that little was si)ent on 
the journej'. But he had been reared to habits of 
industry, and had served over four years in the 
German armj% and thus became familiar with hard- 
ship and privation, so that he was well fitted for the 
emergencies of the future. He has been richly re- 
warded in his efforts to become a man among the 
men of this great Republic, and occupies an envia- 



ble position as a representative citizen, enjoying the 
fullest confidence and respect of those among 
whom he has lived for so many years. Although 
his course has been seemingly very successful, he, 
too, has been visited by afflictions, the greatest being 
the death of his wife, to whom he was devotedly 
attached ; she departed this life at her home on the 
25th of August, 1884. She was an affectionate 
wife and mother, a faithful friend and counselor, 
and devotedly attached to the religion of the Cath- 
olic Church. Iler remains were laid to rest in the 
cemetery near Blakesburg, and she is kindly remem- 
bered by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 
Mr. Fritz has provided lil)erally for his children, 
giving each the advantage of a good education, 
and has generousl}- assisted them in starting in life. 
He is now retired from active labor and can look 
with satisfaction over the years of a life in which he 
has striven to perform his dntj' to those within his 
influence and to fulfill the obligations of a good 
citizen. He is a stanch adherent of the Democratic 
part}-, and uniformly casts his vote in sujjport of 
its principles. 



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ARVEV DICKENS, a successful farmer and 
stock-grower of Competine Township, is 
pleasantly located on section 32, and in the 
\^ several departments of his calling is meet- 
ina; with well-merited success. He has been a resi- 
dent of the Hawkeye State since 1846. the year 
that Iowa was transformed from a Territory into a 
State, and is a native of Wyandotte County, Ohio, 
his birth occuring on the 27th of March, 1839. 
Upon his arrival in the State Mr. Dickens came at 
once into Wapello C()unty, and has been a resident 
of this section since that time. He was accom- 
panied liy his father on the journej" here, and lived 
with him until he was tweutj'-four j'ears of age. 
Thereafter for four j'ears he made his home with 
his brcjther !Mal.achi, and in 1866 made a trip across 
the plains to Pike's Peak, Col., and went to work 
on the Union Pacific Railroad for about three 
months, and at the expiration of this time, being 
satisfied with his experience West, returned home. 
.Mr. Dickens then engaged in the buying and sell- 



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278 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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ing of stock, and was thus occupied foi- about five 
years. He had been successful in his operations, 
and purchased 29.5 acres of improved land on sec- 
tion 32. which constitutes his present homestead. 
Since taking possession of his farm he has been con- 
tinuously making improvements, until it forms one 
of the most attractive spots in the landscape of the 
count3'. He has a comfortable frame dwelling, 
with all necessary out-buildings for the shelter of 
stock and the storing of grain, and is considered 
one of the most skillful farmers and stock-raisers 
in this locality. 

'J'he marriage of Harvey Dickens and Miss Mary 
McDowell took place on the 8th of October, 187.5. 
Mrs. D. is the daughter of John and Mary (Fisher) 
McDowell, both natives of Indiana, but now living 
in Pleas.'uit Township, \\';ipello County. The 
household of our subject and his wife has been 
blest by the birth of eight children, three of whom 
arc living: Nellie was born Dec. 30, 1877; Eliza- 
beth, Jan. 13, 1879. and Alice, .Jan. 12, 1883. 

Politically Mr. Dickens is strongh' Republican, 
and uniformly casts his vote in support of the princi- 
ples of that ])arty. lie and his wife are members in 
good standing uf the Christian Church, and are 
highl^^ respected in their communitv for their up- 
right and praiseworthy lives and generous, kindl)' 
deeds. 



EH. WRIGHT, a resident on section 2 
Washington Township, is a farmer and 
? stock-grower, and the owner of 180 acres 
of well-improved land. He was born in Scott 
County, 111., Dec. 1, 1832, and is a son of Jacob 
and Rebecca ((iroce) Wright, both of whom were 
natives of Kentuck}'. His parents moved from 
'Kentucky to Illinois about 1825, and in 1847 went 
to Jefferson Count}-, Iowa, where his mother died 
in 187(5. His father, who was a farmer b}- occu- 
pation, is now living a retired life in the latter- 
named county. 

The subject of this sketch was reared upon a 
farm, and in ls.57 was united in marriage with 
Eunice Everett, a native of Ohio, born Dec. 9, 
1839, and the daughter of Edward and Eliza A. 



I 



(Langdon) Everett. Her mother died in Iowa, J [u' 

and her father in Kansas. To this union ten chil- J "s 

dreuhave been born, four of whom are now living Jiy 

— Franldin, Mattie, Edward and Effie. Mary B., ? |} 

Rebecca A., Amanda J., Thomas H., Eliza A. and ; Js 

Hattie are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are I 'ji 

members of the Predestinariau Baptist Church. In ; '^ 
politics he is a Democrat. 

-^ #"4^ ' "^ : :, 




EX. M. F. IIOKASON. who is well and 
favorably known throughout this section, : jh 
is a native of Sweden, and was born at ; & 



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Runobe, that countr}', Sept. 7, 1811 
he was educated in the common schools but s q 
later attended a special school, where none but ; -h 
males were admitted. In 1847 he emigrated to 5, 
America and located in Jefferson County, Iowa. | 
Here he labored in the cause of his Master as an |- 
exhorter, but was subsequent!}' licensed to preach * 
the Gospel by the Ohio Synod, and afterward was 
licensed by the Northern Illinois Synod, and or- b3| 
dained in October, 1853. He had studied dili- 
gently, having his heart thoroughly in the work, 
and thus after two years of preparation was ordained 
a minister of Christ. He is a gentleman possessing 
far more than ordinai-y ability, and is not only J j^ 
highly esteemed for his labors of love, but is re- 
spected by all throughout the county who have the 
pleasure of his acquaintance. He has labored with 
great energy, and has accomplished a great deal for 
his people .and has been a guiding star to them. 

Our subject was married, in Jefferson County, 
Iowa, on the 27th of November, 1 848, to Miss Ann 
Elizabeth Anderson, who, like himself, was a na- 
tive of .Sweden. They have had no children of ii 
their own, but adopted Minnie O. Hokason when §:i 
she was an infant of fouiteen months. 
Mr. Hokason came to Wapello County, where he 



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lived for three years, and the following eight years : ti 

were passed in Boone County, when he returned to : i 

this county, where he has since made his home. : K 

When he first came here, which was in an early day, 5=v 

the broad, undulating prairies were covered with a : r. 

rich and verdant growth of tall prairie grass, tha : ;■- 



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:C]_ Ejg^gS^ES 






13 

J^ groves which are now seen on every hand. 



:? dead monotonj' being unbroken by the beautiful 



■trJYVY. 




WAPELLO COUNTY 



taken an active 



He has 
part in the development, not onlj^ 




[^ of the social and spiritual conditions of the people, 
but of the rich material resources of the county. 
Politically he is a Republican. 

OL. JOHN S. WOLF, of Ottuniwa, is con- 
tractor of the Iron Range Railroad, and the 
able manner in which he discharges the 
duties of his responsible position meets the ap- 
proval and appreciation of the traveling public. 
^ He has had a large experience in railroad matters, 
having been long connected with the building and 

1^ constructing department, and is well acquainted 
with all that appertains thereto. 

Mr. Wolf is a native of Dauphin County, Pa., 
and was born in Harrisburg on the 7 th of October, 
1820. He is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth 
(Spicer) Wolf , the former a native of Pennsylvania 
and the latter of Maryland. The parental familj- 
included ten children, of whom the record is as 
follows: Samuel served as a private in the Mexican 
War, and in the late Rebellion was a Captain in the 
LTnion army, and was killed at the battle of At- 
lanta; Henry, a soldier of the Union, returned from 
the war unharmed, and is now a resident of Janes- 
ville, Iowa; Hiram was in the Buck-Tail Regiment 
from Pennsylvania, and was wounded at Dranes- 
viUe; he recovei-ed, however, returned home in 
safety, and is now living at Duluth, ]\Iinn. ; Maria 
was married to William Maddin, of Dauphin, Pa., 
and is now deceased ; Mary Ann departed this life 
in Cumberland County, Pa., aged between three 

}^ and four years ; Hezekiah died in infancy, in Lan- 
caster County, Pa. ; Elizabeth married David Mil- 
ler, who is connected with the nail factory at Dun- 
cannon, Pa.; Sarah became the wife of Harvey 
Mell, who was a soldier in the late war and is now 
connected with the nail mills of Harrisburg, Pa. 
The father of our subject was a soldier in the War 
of 1812, but was not engaged in any battle. He 
lived to the advanced age of seventy-five years, 
and died in Dauphin Count}', Pa., which was the 
iE place of his birth. 






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The subject of this history was reared and edu- 
cated in his native town, and after he arrived at 
years of manhood was married, in Dauphin County, 
Pa., to Miss Margaret L. Deobler, a native of his 
own county, and daughter of Henry and MaryE 
(Shafer) Deobler, natives of the same county. Mr 
Deobler was a soldier in the AV^ar of 1812, and the 
parental household included eight children, thr 
of whom are living, as follows : Elizabeth, the 
of Henry p]hrman, of Benton's Port, Iowa; Mar- 
garet, the wife of our subject, and Fannie, who 
married Rev. D. Speck, of Baltimore, Md. The 
parents of Mrs. Wolf spent their entire lives in 
their native State. In earl}' life they were both 
connected with the Lutheran Church, but in later 
years Mrs. D. joined the Methodist Church. She 
was an earnest Christian ladj', and held in high es- 
teem by all who knew her. 

During the earlier years of his railroad life Mr. 
AVolf assisted in the construction of the Pennsyl- 
vania Central. His field of labor in this line has 
been quite large, extending through Ohio, Indiana, 
Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Mississippi, 
Kansas, Iowa and Minnesota. Soon after the close 
of the war he came to Ottumwa as contractor on 
the B. & M. R. R., operating along the line from 
Ottumwa to Council Bluffs, and on the branch of 
the C, B. & N., and other roads. In an experience 
of forty years he has operated on some of the prin- 
cipal roads in the LTnifed States, and has gathered 
a rich experience in his peculiar calling, and is 
highly esteemed in railroad circles for his rare abil- 
ity as a railroad man. Personally jNIr. AVolf is of 
fine physique, of powerful frame and graceful car- 
riage. He is genial and courteous in his manners, 
and has the polished air of a man who has seen 
much of the world. In politics he is a stanch Re- 
publican, and uniformly casts his vote in support 
of the principles of his party. He is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity of thirty five years' standing. 
He possesses a well informed and intelligent mind, 
and is well posted in the affairs of the country. He 
always fully availed himself of all privileges of in- 
struction to which he found access, and a dis- 
tinguishing cliaracteristic of his is the possession of 
quickness of mind and talent. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wolf became the parents of ten 





E 




IUAXEIXXXTj 




■ IXll. I 1. 



1 IlIXjCXUXli-UXlTllXI JH" ! 



dfTTTTH 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



1"' 




children, of whom the record is as follows : Louisa 
is the wife of George C. Ilanimond, of Cedar Rap- 
ids, Iowa; Samuel served as a soldier in the 20th 
Iowa Infantr3', participated in the siege of Vicks- 
burg, and died at New Orleans in 18C3, of disease 
contracted in the armj^; Joseph is a railroad con- 
tractor; John S. is a farmer, of Cedar Rapids, 
Neb.; Sarah is the wife of L. D. f4roon, a banker 
of Cedar Rapids, Neb.; Fannie married A. Q. 
Chase, of Springfield, Ohio, engaged with the 
Champion Reaper and Mower Manufactory; Trevis 
died in Ottumwa at the age of fifteen years; Pru- 
dence became the wife of Mathias Wilbur, a 
merchant of Colorado Springs; Harry is a resi- 
dent of Ottumwa; (irant is conducting a farm in 
Wapello County. The children of j\Ir. and Mrs. 
Wolf w-cre carefully educated and trained in those 
jirinciples which have constituted them- worthy 
citizens and an honor to their ijarents. 

In i)resentiug the portrait of Col. Wolf, which 
we (b> in this connection, we give our patrons the 
portrait of one of the best-known citizens vf the 
comity, and in many waya one of her representative 
men. 



■"-^j^-K?*^ 



<^i«f-»«ffitf-» 



UILLIAM WILSON, a prosperous farmer 
and dairj man of AVapello County, will be 
W^ found industriously engaged in his chosen 
calling on section 10, Center Township. He is a 
native of Monroe County, Ind.,andwas born April 
■27, 1843, lieing the son of Henry and Nancy J. 
(Farmer) Wilson. (See sketch of P. 8. AVilsou 
elsewhere in this volume.) 

The subject of this sketch came to Iowa in com- 
pany with his parents, when a child six years of 
age, and in 1861 was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Hardesty. Mrs. Wilson was born in Lee County, 
Iowa, March 24, 1845, and is the daughter of 
Thomas and Elizabeth (Stevenson) Hardesty. Of 
her marriage with our subject there have been born 
two children — ^Eldorado L. and Thomas W. 

Mr. Wilson is the owner of 160 acres of good 
land, has a tasteful and substantial dwelling, and 
probably the best barn in Wapello Couuty. This 
latter is 35x86 feet in area, with a stone basement, 
sixteen-foot corner posts, and cost $1,700. He 



also has another barn in which to feed his cattle, ' 
and for milking purposes, with room for fortj' ani^ >| 
mals. He has at present about fifty head of cowsjj!] 
of good common stock and all good milkers. Ilff fH 



also has sixteen head of work horses and brood 



mares. Politically our subject is a Democrat, ancf |{ 
a law-abiding citizen, who takes an intelligent iu« 
terest in the welfare of his county and community^ } 

A view of ]\Ir. Wilson's homestead is shown o:? 
another page in this Aluvm. Hj 

a 



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^ M. HULL, a prominent and highly respected i 

resident of Chillicothe, is largely identifiect ri 

with the milling and farming interests o£ m 

this section, and one of its most eueroetia fi 
-^ "- : h. 

and prosperous busmess men. ]\lr. Hull was borij [i 

in Cnlpeper C<mnty, Va., on the I8th of Octoberj }1 

1817, and is the son of J. B. and Jane (Willey^ fi 

Hull, whose families were among the first in th^ jj 

Old Dominion, and widelj' known throughout thatj H 

localit^^ for their high character, and extensiv^ f) 

landed estates and other propert}'. The mother 0$*: 

our subject was a native of England, born in 1793^ 

and came with her parents to the United Stated 

three years later. They landed in Philadelphia^ 

Pa., and from there removed to Virginia, wherec 

in Cnlpeper Countj', she became acquainted w-ith Jaj; 

B. Hull, and in 1814 became his wife. Mr. HulEl 

was a millwright by trade, and followed that occn< 

pation until his removal West. He came to lowas 

in 1854, and purchased propertj' in Chillicothe; j^ 

where he located and which remained his homes [ 

until his death on the 26th of September, 1881, hea,;} 

having survived his wife for a period of twentySt } 

years, the mother's death taking place also in Chil-5 ; { 

licothe, in 1861. Both were active members ofi 

the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which theys ., 

contributed liberally- and cheerfullj^ of their means,: i^ 

and were in all respects useful and honored mem-; 'y 

bers of society. Their household circle included; , 

six children, of whom the record is as follows ;; '-{j 

William, the eldest-born, lives on the old home-: L 

stead in Virginia; J. M., our subject, was the sec-? n 

ond son; Mary J. became the wife of William; W 

Bashaw, now deceased, and is a resident of Blakes-; p 



i^Hsk 



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135 









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burg, this county ; Catharine married Mr. J. Wes- 
ley Jjtockweather, of Blakesburg; Lucia C. became 
the wife of Samuel Blair, aud resides at Oskaloosa; 
Elizabeth B., now deceased, was the wife of J. W. 
Lockhart. 

The subject of our sketch was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Lucretia Partiow on the 23d of 
December, 1847. Mrs. Hull w.as born in Culpeper 
County, Va., on the 8tli of May, 182G, and was 
the daughtei- of .John L. and Jlartha (Lillard) Tart- 
low, also natives of the Old Dominion, who spent 
their entire lives there, where the mother died in 
1880, and her husband two years later. They 
were faithful adherents of the old-school Baptist 
Church, and 'Sir. Partiow held the various offices of 
his township and eountj-. He was a man of con- 
siderable ability, arid highly respected by his neigh- 
bors and associates. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hull have become the parents of 
ten children, as follows: .John E., born Oct. 13, 
1848, died in Chillieothe on the 7th of .January, 
1886; Josephine, born .Jan. 15, 18.50, became the 
wife of Irvin Butin, a druggist and jeweler of Fre- 
donia, Kan. ; Mary L. and Benjamin died in in- 
fancy; Flora J., born Aug. 18, 18;j4, is the widow 
of Zenus Park, and a resident of Fredonia, Kan. ; 
Martha died in iufauc}- ; B. Almira was born Jan. 
1, 1859, and became the wife of K. A. Waddell, of 
Kirksville; James William was born Nov. 26, 1860, 
and is now a practicing phj'sician of Brainard, Neli. ; 
Emma C, born Feb. 7, 1863, is teaching school in 
Fredonia, Kan. ; Jennie L., born April G, 1 865, is 
also a teacher. 

Mr. Hull, of our sketch, removed from his na- 
tive State to Iowa in 1855, and locating in Wa- 
pello County, purchased a sawmill wliich he has 
operated until the present time, in connection with 
a gristmill. A great change has been brought 
about in the condition of this section since Mr. 
Hull became a resident of Chillieothe, which was 
then a little hamlet struggling into a village. He 
soon became prominently connected with the af- 
fairs of the young community, and was acknowl- 
edged as a leader from the beginning. He was 
soon elected a member of the Board of Supervisors, 
aud in 1857 w.as elected to the office of .Justice of 
the Peace, which he has now occupied for a period 



of over twenty years. With his excellent wife hi 
identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and they have been among its stronges 
and most liberal supporters. Our subject is an 
honored member of the I. O. O. F., and in everj 
respect has fulfilled the obligations of a good citi 
zen, .and a valued member of society. His chil 
dren have received careful home training and the^j 
advantages of a good education, and in early life 
were taught those principles of honor and honesty 
which are so essential to the character of the up- 
right citizen and to those who are appointed to the 
leadership among the affairs of a community and 
county. 



'AMES GIBSON, deceased, a late resident of 
Competine Township, w'as a native of Ken- 
tucky, and l)orn on the 5th of June, 1817. 
He became a resident of Iowa in 1863, estab- 
lished the homestead in Competine Township which ^ 
his widow now occupies, and departed from the 
scenes of his earthly labors on the 15th of Decem-j 
ber, 1877. At the age of nineteen years the sub-> 
ject of our sketch removed with his parents from 
his native State to Indiana, locating there in 1836. 
His father entered a tract of land in Marion 
Count}-, and James assisted him in the develop- 
ment of a farm, and remained an inmate of the 
parental household until his marriage. 

On the 27th of December, 1844, Mr. Gibson was 
united in wedlock with Miss Nancy B. Hunter, a 
native of Ohio, who was born April 16, 1825. 
Mrs. G. is the daughter of Reuben and Mar^^ 
(Brazier) Hunter, and her parents remained resi-, 
dents of Indiana until 1861. They then proceededj 
further westward to escape the ague, and located 
in Mercer County, 111. Thej' sacrificed their prop- 
erty in Indiana for the benefit of their health, and 
passed away with comi^arativelj' little means. Thej'' 
possessed, however, that brave pioneer spirit which 
was fully armed to successfully battle with all diffi- 
culties, and they soon found themselves upon their 
feet again and prepared for a journey still further 
westward. In 1863 they crossed the Mississippi 
into Iowa, and coming into Wapello County, loea- 



■itkliii 



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II II XXXAUI »»*» »"»xj3 riiiixu ; 

1 1 : 1 1TX3 Zl ^fTfT f'If T J i mrT TTVT' 



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284 



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IXXXJLSXXAIX 



xrrr'EuiSSr 



xjm.ixxxj-ii-mimii.ixi-i-1 j 
ixii III xu m I 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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ted ill Competine Township, (ipoii the farm which 
is still the home of Mrs. (Til)son. The land then 
was but little removed from its original condition, 
but Mr. Gibson possessed abundant energ}^, and set 
about the cultivation of his purchase with the per- 
severance and industry which had characterized 
him from early youth. Here he and his wife lived 
happily and contentedly with their children until 
the Death Angel visited their fireside and took 
awaj' the main supixu-t and comfort of the family. 

Mr. and ]\Irs. Gibson became the parents of thir- 
teen children, seven sons and six daughters: Mary, 
born Dec. 12, 1846, became the wife of Isaac Bare, 
a farmer of Smith Count}', Kan. ; Francis M. was 
born Oct. 1, 1848; Elizabeth, born Nov. 20, 1849, 
married George True, of Smith County, Kan. ; Reu- 
ben, born Sept 12, 1851, is also a resident of the 
last-named county; Andrew was born ]\Iarch 4, 
1854, and is living near his brothers and sisters in 
Kansas; Eliza J., bom Aug. 20, 1850, married Ben- 
jamin Davis, now deceased; Ellen A., born Aug. 
28, 1.S58, became the wife of Fletcher Fribble, and 
is now deceased ; Alexander, a resident of Wapello 
County, was born Jan. 20, 1860; Charles A. was 
born March 12, 1861; Nancy C, May 10, 1862; 
Delilah M., May 17, 1864; James T., Sept. 12, 
1866, and William P., Sept. 28, 1870. 

Mr. Gibson was a lifelong member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, and contributed liberally and 
cheerfull}' to its support. Mrs. G. is still connected 
with that denomination, and has reared her chil- 
dren to those moral and religious principles which 
will constitute them good citizens and full}' worthy 
of the respect and esteem of the community which 
holds in such reverence the name of their honored 
and worthy sire. 




lu /i^l ^'^US D. KING, Superintendent of the 
Count}' Hospital, located in Highland Town- 
ship, was born in Somerset County, Pa., 
July 18, 1831, and is the son of Euis and Barbara 
q (Wymer) King, the father a u.ative of the same 
'■"^ { county as his son, and the mother of German birth 
} and parentage. Mr. King lived in his native 
'^ county until he was thirteen years of age, and then 




emigrated with his parents to Iowa. They settled 
on the old Agency farm, which they occupied for 
five yeai'S, and then removed to a farm near Round 
Point, where the father entered 320 acres of fine 
farming land. This our subject assisted in improv- 
ing and redeeming from its original condition, and 
remained upon it with his parents until the out- 
break of the late war, when he enlisted as a Union 
soldier, in August, 1862. He served as a private 
in the 22d Iowa Infantry for two years, and was in 
the battles of Jackson, Miss., Cliami)ion Hills, 
Black River, the siege and capture of "N'icksburg, 
and the second battle of Jackson, where he was sun- 
struck, and also otherwise injured by being thrown 
against a forge while working as a blacksmith in 
the service. He received his final discharge on. ac- 
count of disability, and after a tedious journey 
reached his home. After recovering from his in- 
juries he purchased a small farm in Highland 
Township, where he engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits for the following six years. He then removed 
into Green Township, and lived there seven years, 
and is now the owner of 200 acres of valuable 
land. 

In 1876 Mr. King was placed in charge of the 
old Poor Farm, where he lived until the new 
County Hospital was erected two years later, 
and then took possession of the latter. This 
building is 75 x 40 feet in dimensions, and four 
stories in height, built of Inick, and contains thirty- 
six sleeping-rooms. It now shelters fifty-three 
persons, twenty women and thirty-three men, and 
the surrounding farm belonging to it includes 240 
acres. During the seven years Mr. King has had 
charge of this institution he has conducted it with 
ability and success, and has proved himself ad- 
mirably adapted to the discharge of liis difficult 
and responsible duties. 

The subject of our sketch was married, in May, 
1852, to Jlrs. Nancy G. (Moss) Robert, the daugh- 
ter of Henry and Amelia (Walker) Moss, and 
widow of George W. Robert, by Avhom she had 
two children — Amelia A., the wife of Alexander 
Giltner, of Agency, and who died in April, 1876, 
at the age of thirty-two years, and George W., a 
resident of Competine Township. Henry iloss 
was born in North Carolina, and his wife, Amelia, 






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mti-intittTiitt 



Mrs. King was bovn Dec. 31, 1826, 
i?; and came to Iowa witli liei- parents in 18;i,'). Thej' 
}^ were ferried across tlic Mississippi River on a calie 
ifi of ice, and settled in Van Buren County, being ttie 
first to locate tliere, with two otlier families who 
accompanied them, and they did not know of any 
dfi settlement west of them. Here Henry Moss lived 
iJB for a nnmber of years and improved a farm, finally 
removing to Wapello County, and opened up 

f,^ another farm here, upon which he spent the re- 

i* 
I 

I 



m 

ni «, 




'i| mainder of his days. When the survey was made 
f,?1 his land was located in Pleasant Township, where 
\sl he died in 1860, at the age of fifty-eight years, be- 
ing l)uried at Round Point Cemetery, where the 
faithful wife and mother had been laid to rest soon 
after coming into the (then) Territory. Mr. Moss 
was a man of strong character, hospitable, liberal 
and generous, and had the faculty of attaching to 
■'K himself strong friends wherever he made his home. 
w He was a soldier in the Blackhawk War before 
I coming to Iowa, and subsequently lived in Morgan 
:| County, 111., before crossing the Fatiicr of Waters. 
He was connected with the Regular Baptist Churcji, 
and in his daily walk and conversation faithfully 
ii lived up to his religious principles, which had been 
the rule of his life from early 3'outh. 

Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. King there were 
il born four children, as follows: John H. is a resi- 
]i dent of Ottumwa, and acts as turnkey in the jail; 
^ Elisha E. is Assistant Superintendent of the County 
Hospital; Sarah, Mrs. Lawrence Reinhart, lives on 
;S a farm in Green Township; Mary K. became the 
liS: wife of Milton S. White, of Sullivan Ciniuty, Mo. 
i"; Mr. and Mrs. K. are active members of the Meth- 



1 

1 
1 

I 
I 

1 



I odist Episcopal Church, and socially our subject 
ijiE belongs to the I. O. O. F. and (i. A. R. He is a 
lit Republican in polities, and in all respects is fulflll- 
- ing the obligations of a good citizen. 

At the outbreak of the late war Mr. King, laying 
aside personal interests and plans, started at the 
earliest opportunity to proffer his services in assist- 
ing to preserve the Union. He belonged to the 
22d Iowa Infantry, and with his comrades skir- 
mished all through ^Maryland under command of 
'•;| Col. Stone, who was afterward elected Governor of 



1 at Iowa 

I 

I 



The father of j\Ir. King was a very religious 



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man, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. He was one of the first to organize a 
societ}' in this county, and meetings were held in his 
house before even a school-house was built. He 
was a blacksmith by trade, and our subject, during 
his earlier years, also followed the same in connec- 
tion with farming. Enis King departed this life at 
Agency City in 1872, having arrived at the age of 
seventy-eight years. His wife, the mother of our 
subject, died in 1866 at the same place. John 
King, the eldest brother of our subject, was the 
first person buried in the cemetery at Agency. 

'\f]OHN KIELKOPF, a prosperous German 
farmer of Highland Township, was born in 
Wnrtemberg in 1832, and is the son of Mar- 
tin and Catharine (Rose) Kielkopf, natives of 
the same country, his father being a farmer by oc- 
cupation. Mr. K. emigrated to the United States 
April 25, 1857, taking passage on a sailing-vessel, 
and being forty-seven days on the ocean. He 
landed in New York City, and immediately pro- 
ceeded westward to Ottumwa, Iowa, where he 
located upon a rented farm and occupied it for two 
years. He then moved into Monroe County, where 
he bought eighty acres of land, and lived there six 
years. He then sold out, and coming into Wapello 
County purchased eighty acres on section 5, in 
Highland Township, which he has occupied since 
that time. He has greatly improved the original 
condition of his purchase, and now has a good farm, 
with a comfortable residence and all necessarj' out- 
buildings. 

The subject of this sketch was married in 1862, to 
Miss Catharine Ritter, a native of his own coun- 
try, and who became the mother of twelve children, 
as follows: Elizabeth, born March 20, 1864, be- 
came the wife of Peter Kling, of Highland Town- 
ship; Katie, born Sept. 7, 1866, and John, Oct. 30, 
1868, are at home; Clara, born M:\y 12, 1870, mar- 
ried Frank Damer, of Highland Township; Emma, 
born April I'J, 1872; William, Nov. 23, 1875; 
Charlie, Oct. 18, 1879, and Phillip, Sept. 19, 1882, 
are at home with their parents; Phillipine, born in 
1865, died in October of the same year; Leonard 




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El IXIJlJLfXl J 




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xxxixjS' fT^: 



286 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



iilill«Jlri5TXTtTXInirtini¥Ti" ££J:^ 






was bom Oct. 3, 1884; Jacob died when a few 
months old; George, born Nov. 9, 1877, died Nov. 
6, 1882. 

Mr. and Mrs. K. are members of the Lutheran 
Church, of which Mr. K. is a Trustee. Beside the 
home farm, which consists of 140 acres, Mr. K. has 
sixt}- acres elsewhere. When he came to this 
county he was poor in purse, but rich in energj'and 
M^Wetermination, and has been amply rewarded for 
jlhis j'ears of labor and frugalit}-. He takes an intel- 
jjligent interest in all matters pertaining to the wel- 
jlfarc of his community, is the friend of education 
nd progress, and at jjrcsent is a member of the 
Board of School Directors. 

The father of Mr. K. was a prominent man in his 
lative Province, and departed this life in 1870, in 
he country of his birth; tlie mother died in 1838. 
Both parents were members of the Lutheran 
Church, and possessed in a marked degree those 
worth3' traits of character which are peculiar to the 
5 German nationalitj'. 



'iri54 



1^5. 



SA LESTER GRAVES, residing at the end 
of W. Second street, Ottumwa, is a gardener 
and fruit-grower. He was born in Franldin 
County, Ind., Feb. 1.3, 1822, and is a son 



of A. C. and Elizabeth (Webb) Graves. His father 



hJL-cjjjwas of Scotch and English extraction, and his 
'fiimother of French and Irish descent. His father 
Rjcame from Massachusetts to Indiana in 181G, where 




P^he married Elizabeth Webb, and in 1832, in com- 
' Blpany with his wife and six children, moved to Mis- 
jl Isouri, near where Kansas City now stands. In 
I! "ill 838 the family moved to Quincy, 111., and lived 
JEt^l thpi-p until 1840, when they moved to Des Moines 
}j hlCounty, Iowa, where, in 18.J4, the father died. He 
""^i^as a tanner and currier by trade. His wife, Eliza- 
eth, the mother of our subject, is still living, resid- 
in Missouri with her daughter, Mrs. E. .J. 
thi'lst}', and is now eighty-six years of age. 

On the 22d day of May, 1844, in Des iMoines 

,'ounty, Iowa, A. L. Graves, the siiliject of this 

Sketch, was united in marriage with Julia A. Mof- 

•jlet, born Sept 17, 1.S2G, and the daughter of Levi 

■and Elizabeth (Keck) Moffet. Her father was of 






Scotch-Irish, and her mother of German descent. 
They moved from Pennsj'lvania to Des Moines 
County, Iowa, in 1834. Her mother died March 
29, 1838, and her father in March, 1854. Her 
father was a fuller b^' trade, but the latter j-ears of 
his life were spent in the milling business. He built 
the first gristmill in the State of Iowa. It was 
erected in Des Moines Count}', on the Skunk River. 

Mr. and Mrs. Graves were the parents of seven 
children: Elizabeth A., born Sept. 13, 1845, is now 
the wife of Joseph E. Langford, who lives in Ot- 
tumwa; Henry E., born Oct. 9, 1847, married 
Clara A. Caldwell, and lives in Jasper Countj', 
Mo.; John M., born in Ottumw.a, March 26, 1852, 
married Leonora E. Pierce, and now lives in Gunni- 
son County, Col. ; George A., born in Ottumwa, Jan. 
22, 1854, married Marietta McCiuigg. and now 
lives in Jasper County, Mo., engaged as a railroad 
engineer; Julia L., born Jul}- 22, 185G, now the 
wife of R. W. Roberts, lives in Ottumwa; Rofeno 
A., born Oct. 5, 1858, is the wife of Prof. O. L. 
Miller; Carrie E., born March 8, 18G4, married A. 
L. Pedrick; he is engaged in the grocer}' business 
in Ottumwa. 

In 1849 Mr. Graves made a trip across the 
plains to California, l)y ox-teams, with a company 
made up at Augusta, Iowa. His wife's biother, E. 
R. JMoffet, was also of the party. He spent nearl}' 
two years engaged in mining, and succeeded in ac- 
cumulating about §3,000, which gave him his first 
start in the world. He made the trip home, from 
San Francisco via the following route : He went to 
Acapulco, Mex., thence to the city of Mexico, 
then to Vera Cruz, thence by sailing-vessel to New 
Orleans, thence by the Mississippi River home. 
Mr. Graves had many hard and perilous experiences 
in roughing it on the plains. He also spent about 
four years in prospecting in Colorado, and one 
year in Arkansas and Texas. lie also had some 
railroad experience, being engaged as a railroad 
contractor for about a 3'ear and a half on the C, B. 
& Q. R. R., in conipau}' with his son-in-law, I\lr. 
Langford. 

In 1851 Mr. Graves moved with his family to 
Ottumwa, where he has since continued to reside. 
He owns twenty-seven acres of valuable land in the 
city limits, has a good brick dwelling-house, tine 



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{ [i barn, aud is well and comfortably fixed. A view of 
[ li the place is given in this volume. At an early day 
t 'SMr. Graves held the office of Commissioner of 
} 15 (School Funds. He is a member of the Masonic 
=ij fraternity, aud politically is a Democrat. 




■t. 



ILL I AM H. FARMP:R, located on section 
9, Center Township, is industriously en- 
. gaged in agriculture and stociv-growiug, 
■■_fi and ranks among its valued citizens. He was born 
I in Putnam County, Ind., Feb. 6, 1835, his parents 
!s being P. S. and Elizabeth (Devore) Farmer, both 
ii natives of Kentucky. The father moved from In- 
diana with his wife aud four children to Van Buren 
County, Iowa, in 1849, aud the following year came 
ul^into Wapello County, which remained his home 
; until the close of his life, his decease occurring in 
S. January', 1868. The mother of our subject survived 
E her husband four years, dying also in this county 
5 in 1 872. Their remains are buried in the Burrus 
:S Cemetery in Center Townshu). 

Mr. Farmer remained under the parental roof un. 
:'E til he attained his majority. In 18,50, at the age of 
.: twenty years, he married Miss Pollen M. Whitcomb, 



{:| 1838, and was the daughter of David i 
}[= (Proutj') Whitcomb, both natives of Yen 



who w.as born in Lorain Count}', Ohio, Sept. 20, 

and Lucy 
mont, who 

.?j removed to Ohio at an early period in the history 

}iBof that State. In 1843 Mr. Whitcomb came to 

^Jlowa and located in Richland Township, this 

^1 county. In the fall of 1845 he sent for his famil}-, 

{j=; consisting of his wife aud seven children. Here 

i;|the}' established a comfortable home, where the 

-parents spent the remainder of their days, the 

smother dying Sept. 10, 1863, and the father on the 

f 6th of September, 1870. Thej' were liuried in the 

I Ottumwa Cemetery. 

I Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Farmer thei-e 
children, as follows: Flora M., born 



^'4 -14- 

i j£ were eight 



Its Aug. 18, 1857, became the wife of Frank Bizer, 
^and lives in Center TownshiiJ; Fred C. was born 

; March 18, 1802, and also lives in this township; 
i^ Sadie E. was born March 14, 1864, and Lucy A., 
1 1| March 8, 1866; Emma W., born Feb. 10, 1.S72, 

: died May 5, 1874; the next one died in infancy; 





Nellie H. was born Jan. 27, 1877, and Willie S., 
Jan. 22, 1880. 

The homestead of Mr. Farmer comprises 100 
acres of good laud, upon which is a comfortable 
farm dwelling, a good barn and other improve- 
ments. He also owns twenty-five acres of coal 
land. He has been prominent in the affairs of his 
township since coming here, and has held tlie 
offices of Constable and Supervisor. He is now 
President of the School Board, and has always 
been the stanch friend and supporter of every 
measure calculated to benefit his county and town- 
ship. In politics he is a Democrat. 

RIER S. WILSON, an intelligent farmer 
and stock-grower of Wapello County, may 
be found on section 10, Center Township, 
about one mile northwest of Ottumwa. 
He was born in Monroe County, Ind., July 21, 
1838, and is a son of Henry and Nanc}' J. (Farmer) 
Wilson, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, 
but who had lived in Indiana from their childhood. 
In 1849, the famih', consisting of the father and 
mother and two children, left Indiana for Iowa, 
coming through with teams. The mother died 
about 1805; the father is still living in Ottumwa. 
By trade, his father was a plasterer, but followed 
farming for many years, and is now engaged in 
the real-estate business. 

Mr. Wilson, of this sketch, was united in mar- 
riage with Mrs. Mary Stephenson, Nov. 9, 1859. 
Mrs. Wilsiin was the widow of Newton Stephenson, 
and daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Reveal. 
Five children were born of this union — Nancy J., 
Laura E., Albert D., Emra 'SI. and Thomas H., de- 
ceased. Mrs. Wilson died Feb. 2, 1877, and on 
the -1st day of December, 1878, Mr. Wilson con- 
tracted a second marriage, with Mary J. Willis, 
widow of Isaac Willis, and daughter of Daniel 
Sheeler. 

Mr. Wilson is the owner of 200 acres of im- 
proved land, with three good dwelling-houses, one 
good barn, ;ind all necessary out-buildings, every- 
thing about his premises being in good repair. At 
this time he is quite extensively engaged in the 






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Htii.3 6!atii '•' 



WAPELLO COUNTY 



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dair3' business, milking from fifty to sixty cows 
regularly. His milk is sold to dealers in the city 
of Ottumwa, and he furnishes the trade of that city 
with about ninety gallons per day. In politics Jlr. 
Wilson is a Democrat, and in all respects a worthy 
and reliable citizen. 

When Mr. Wilson came to luwa he had but lit- 
tle of this world's goods, and his accumulations are 
the result of his industry and application to busi- 
I ness. Most of his farm is good bottom land, well 
J adapted to corn and grass, particularly the latter. 
I The main C, B. & Q. R. R., with its Rock Island 
JJivisiou, passes through his farm, of which we are 
pleased to be able to present a lithographic view in 
connection with this sketch. 



-^^B" 



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AMUEL T. CALDWELL, deceased, was 
born in Marshall Countj-, Va., in 1824, and 
was the son of ^'an and Elizabeth Cald- 
well. He was reared on a farm and came 
to Iowa while it was yet a Territory. This was in 
1837, and on his arrival here he located in Van 
Buren County, with his parents. He followed the 
vocation of a farmer until he attained the age of 
about thirty-five j'ears, when he embarked in mer- 
cantile pursuits and met with more than ordinary 
success in that venture. He was likewise connected 
in the banking business, and continued an active 
business career uutil his death, which took place in 
1878, at the age of fifty-four years. Mr. Caldwell 
also represented his district in the State Legislature 
for two terms, and was greatly honored and re- 
spected bj' all who knew him. 

Of his union with Mrs. Adeline Grant two chil- 
dren, both daughters, were born; he had also two 
daughters by a former wife. The record is as fol- 
lows : Cora E. resides with her mother at Eddy- 
ville ; Delia is a teacher in the public schools at Ot- 
tumwa, and Kittle and Frankie are living at home. 
The widow of our subject, Mrs. Adeline Caldwell, 
is residing at Eddj^ville in a fine, two-stor3' frame 
;^^residence, located on Church street. She was a 
1 daughter of Oliver Grant, and was born in Meigs 



County, Ohio. Her mother's maiden name 



'8'= 

was 



Caldwell was born in 



Bangor, Me., and his wife in Ohio. While a resi- 
dent of Maine he was engaged in milling, but on 
coming to this State, in 18.03, he located in Ma- 
haska Count.y, and there engaged in farming, and 
was thus occupied for about eight years, when he 
removed to Eddyville and there died, the date be- 
ing May 27, 188i. His widow still survives, and 
is living with her daughter, Mrs. Caldwell. 



R. PICKLER, who has been a resident of 
C)ttumwa since the fall of 1801, is prosper- 
ously established in the grocery trade and 
cnjo.ys an extensive patronage. He does 
business in a straightforward and systematic man- 
ner, is highly respected by his associates in the 
business communitj', and has built up for himself 
an enviable record as an honest man and a good 
citizen. 

The subject of this history was born and reared 
in the wilds of Indiana, in Washington County, near 
Salem. The date of his birth was May !), 1830, 
and his parents were Jolin and Lj'dia (Gi'ace) 
Piclder, both natives of NoKth Carolina. Thej^ 
first removed from their native State southwest- 
ward to Kentucky, whence, later they proceeded 
north to Indiana, being among the early pioneers 
of the Hoosier State. They settled upon a heavj^ 
timber tract, j^eopled principally by wild animals 
and wild Indians. They opened up a farm in the 
wilderness, and in due time established a comforta- 
ble home. 

The parental family of our subject included seven 
children, of whom four are still living, as follows: 
Lydia became the wife of John Overman, of Center 
Township; Patsj" married Thomas II. Mitchell, of 
Indiana; John is a resident of Southern Illinois; the 
subject of this sketch completes the fourth. John 
Pickler departed this life in Indiana in about 1840. 
The mother afterward became a resident of Iowa, 
and died in Wapello Countj- in 1880. 

The subject of this histor}' was reared under the 
parental roof, and remembers with surprising dis- 
tinctness many of the scenes of his earliest child- 
hood. He recollects going with his father to mark 
out a path through the forest b}- •' blazing '" the 



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trees, for a mile and a half, to the " Deboal 

House." The first building in which he pursued 

his studies was a log cabin, 16x20 feet in area, with 

i:j puncheon floor, and slabs for seats and desks. The 

; pupils were I'uled with an iron rod, and the system 

[j of study pursued in those primitive days was 

3 wideh' different from that followed at present. 

When he had arrived at the age of twenty years 

Mr. Pickler left his native State to seek his fortune 

beyond the Mississippi. He first came into Davis 

Count}', Iowa, and engaged in farming pursuits. 

L| Thi-ee years later, in 18.53, he was united in mar- 



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J 5s riage with Miss Elizabeth Ball, a native of his own 
State, and the daughter of William and Elizabeth 
fl Ball, natives of Kentuckj'. In the fall of 1861 Mr. 




jis P., with his wife, abandoned farming pursuits and 
removed to Ottumwa, where Mr. Pickler established 



ii himself in the grocery trade, which he has pursued 

eontiniiously until the present time. He has been 

{•^ prospered in his undertakings, and is in the enjoy- 

I zi ment of a competency. With his family he occu- 

}:iS pies a handsome residence on East Main street, 

}g vfhere they are surrounded with all the ccmiforts 

■i and many of the luxuries of life. 

-Z Of the union of our subject and his wife there 

l| have been born the following children : Rosella, the 

wife of J. B. Joslyn, of Ottumwa, and John W., 

Thomas H., Frank and Etta, all residents of this 

|S city and living with their parents. 

A handsome lithographic view of the liusiness 
block of Ml-. Pickler accompanies this sketch. 



PRANCES LAYNE, widow of Jacob Layue, 
and who, since his demise, has continued to 
reside on the old homestead on section 3, 
1^ Adams Township, where, with her children, she has 
laE been actively engaged in its cultivation and im- 
i rt provement, is a native of Montgonier}- County, 
ir| Ind., and was born Dec. 22, 1828. ]Mrs. Lajne is 
\l a daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Detherge) Eas- 
ii| ley, natives of North Carolina, both now deceased. 
%& Mrs. Frances Layue was married to Jacob La3'ne, 



n 



i;: July 9, 1849, and the following j'ear the}' came to 
T) : Iowa, and purchasing 160 acres of land in Adams 
1 : Township, this count}-, located upi>n it. Their 



union was blest by the birth of five children: Eliz- 
abeth, deceased ; Daniel, deceased ; Sophronia, wife 
of H. Hepler, and living in Adair County, Iowa; 
Sarah J., wife of Philip Ross, a successful farmer of 
Polk Township, and Ira, who lives with his mother 
and is engaged in the cultivation of the farm. \\ 
Jacob Layne was a native of Kentucky, a farmer ji 
by occupation, and was killed by a runaway team 
May 15, 1878. 

Our subject is at present the owner of forty 
acres of good farm land, with substantial improve- 
ments upon it. She is a laborer in the cause of 
the blaster and holds fellowship with the Christian 
Church, and is respected and honored for her many 
good deeds and loving disposition, as well as com- 
forting words and generous heart. 



t>XXIXXX XXSXLX. 







m 



^^^EORGE F. CAPELL, builder and contractor, 
(|[ g— , residing at Ottumwa, is a native of the 
^^^ county of St. Lawrence, N. Y., and was 
born on the Gth of February, 18-18. His father, 
W^illiam P., and his mother, Mary (Cook) Capell, 
daughter of ISIaj. Cook, uf Revolutionary fame, 
were both natives of New Hampshire. They were 
married at Parishville, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 
and reared a family of six children, the record of 
whom is as follows : JIary A. became the wife of 
Alonzo Johnson, of Portland, N. Y. ; Sarah E. mar- 
ried David Richardson, and Martha E. became the 
wife of James G. Taylor, all residents of St. Law- 
rence County, N. Y., and also William H. ; Emma 
A. became the wife of Frank Hulbard, and they 
are living at Chicago; George F., our subject, was 
the youngest of the family. 

In early life the father of our subject was an 
old-line Whig, but upon the l)irth of the Repub- 
lican party entered its ranks and voted with that 
party until his death, which occurred in St. Law- 
rence County, N. Y., in January, 1870. His wife 
still survives him, and is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church. George F. Capell was educated in 
the district schools, and early in life worked at the 
trade of his father, that of a cabinet-maker, which 
he mastered under his instruction. 

In 1869 Mr. Capell came West and located at 



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292 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



Ottiimwa, where he has spent the major portion of 

his time until the present, engaged at his trade and 

in building and contracting. In February, 1879, 

jS he was married tn Miss Emma Spencer, daughter 

^ of Capt. H. A. Spencer, of Bloomfield, Davis Co., 

Iowa. Mrs. Wilson was born in the city in which 

she was married, in June, 1841), and by her mar- 

yW riage with Mr. Capell has become the mother of 

one child — George ^'. 3Ir. Capell is a member of 

the V. A. 8. and Modern Woodmen of America. 

He has done much toward the upbuilding of the 

city in which he resides, and is one of her foremost 

jrj— ^-and most highl_v respected citizens. Mr. Capell 

S { was the contractor and builder of the South Ot- 

"gral tumwa public school building-, which is a model of 

I jj^lj] I convenience and beauty. 

Inplpi A view of his own tasteful dwelling is given on 
|; 3 P another page in connection with this brief history. 

i liil l 





ERHARD OSTDEICK is a brickmaker and 
farmer residing in the city of Ottumwa, in 
ammond's subdivision. lie has been run- 
ning his brick manufactory for seventeen years, and 
has made an average of 1,000,000 bricks per year. 
Many of the business blocks of 'Ottumwa are 
erected with brick manufactured b^' him. He is a 
native of Prussia, born Oct. 18, 1840, and in 184C 
came to America with his parents. They landed in 
New Orleans and came up the Mississippi River to 
Lee County, Iowa, where Gerhard lived until 1869, 
when he came to Ottumwa and engaged in the man- 
ufacture of brick. Ferdinand Ostdeick, the father 
of Gerhard, was a teacher in the parochial schools 
of Lee County for twelve years, after coming to 
the United States, and also followed the occupation 
of a farmer. He died in St. Paul, Lee County, in 
1873; the mother died in 1885. 
Nov. 27, 1866, Gerhard Ostdeick and ]Mary E. 

tenger were united in marriage. She was born in 
Indiana in 1843, but was of German origin, her 
parents being John and Mar3' M. (Smith) Stenger, 

ho yet survive, and are living in Lee Countj', 
Ijaear Ft. Madison. To this union there were born 

ighl children — Catharine, Mary, Philomena, John, 
Callie, Elizabeth (deceased), Barbara and Hcrmon 




(deceased). At the present time Jlr. Ostdeick is in 
partnership with his brother Hernion in the manu- 
facture of brick. In addition t(.> his property in 
this cit}' he has .300 acres of farm land in Pottawat- 
t.amie County, which is under a high state of culti- 
vation. He and his wife are members of the Cath- 
olic Church. In politics Mr. Ostdeick is a stanch 
Democrat. 



'is" 

1^^^ M. LANE, a well-known and highly re- 
spected resident of Dahlonega Township, 
has been a resident of Iowa since 1856. 
He was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., 
t)ct. 18, 1810, and is the son of E. and Dollie 
(Rodgers) Lane, who were the parents of twenty 
children. His father was a native of New York 
Cit}'. and his grandfather, Doxsy Lane, was a black- 
smith by trade and served in that capacity in the 
Revolutionary War, having had the honor of shoe- 
ing the horse of Gen. Washington many times. 
He was of English birth and parentage, and came 
to this country during the colonial daj-s. The 
mother of our subject was of German descent, and 
a native of New Jersej'. 

When Mr. Lane of our sketch was a child of six 
years old his parents moved to Ohio, settling in the 
town of Thompson, which is situated in the West- 
ern Reserve. The following spring, in 1818, our 
subject went from his parents' home to live with a 
man named Matthew Warner, with whom he re- 
mained until he was seventeen years old. He then 
went to Harperstield, in the same State, and ajj- 
prenticed himself to learn the trade of bricklaying 
and stone-masonry with James Wood worth of that 
l)lace,- and served three j'ears. In the spring of 
1831 he returned East as far as Erie County, Pa., 
where he engaged at his trade, and in the meantime 
formed the acquaintance of Miss Caroline Woolley. 
to whom he was united in marriage on the 1st of 
Jauuar}-, 1832. Mrs. Lane was born in Otsego 
Count}', N. Y., in 1815, and is the daughter of 
Peter S. and Mary Woolley, both natives of the 
Empire State. Of this union there were born six 
children, as follows: Lysander is living in Dah- 
lonega; Wilsey C. is farming in Marshall County, 
Kan. ; Nancy Amanda married Mi'. E. Springer, 



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^JEJ^SHHHHeHHHHS 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



?who is engaged in real-estate business in Garnett, 

:Kan. ; Michael M. is a practicing ph^'siciau of 

{[; EWaynesville, Mo.; he served three years in the 18th 

Slowa Volunteers during the late war as a drummer; 

Mary died in 184G, aged five years, and Perry in 

!j§1843, at the age of two years. 

Mr. Lane lived in Erie, Pa., until 18.t4, and then 
removed to Macoupin County, 111., whence, two years 
^afterward, he went to Morgan County in the same 
gState and lived there nine years, following his trade 
puutil 185(J.. He then came to Wapello County, and 
ppurchased 100 acres of land in Pleasant Township, 
Jwhich he occupied for a few months, and then 
ilStraded it for a stock of merchandise in Dahlonega. 
{;jEHe then engaged in trade for two years, and sold 
V trout his stock to George Godfrey. After this he 
:went into the hotel business at Dahlonega, and after 



!Ti:: 



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HI : the fall 



:two more years engaged in the grocery trade until 
:)f 1883, when he removed to his farm on 



section 17, where he still lives. 



Mr. Lane has been prominently identified with 
L :thc public affairs of his townsliip since coming into 
li jthis vicinity. lie was Postmaster at Dahlonetfa for 
il;:fourteen years and Justice of the Peace three terms. 
H ;IIe is Democratic in polities and takes much pride 
:in the fact that he voted for Gen. Jackson for 
^IPresideut twice. Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of 
i] ;the Christian Church, and enjoj- the society and 
>; -friendship of the best people in this locality. They 
Bisheld the fifty-fifth anniversary of their marriage 
^ :Jan. 2, 1887. 



I: 



farmer of 
located 
ner of 
He is a native 



n :l(\ 1^ ^^- "HEATOJN, a prosperous fan 

|il:S WiA* Highland Township, is pleasantly 1 

m-J VtnP on section 36, where he is the ow 

fi.;;270 acres of finely improved land. 

ji:jof the Green Mountain State, his birth occurring in 

Hi;:;1843, and is the son of Lucius and Matia (Moore) 

^ij SAVheaton, also natives of Vermont. He was reared 

M ::on a farm in his native State, which remained his 

I ■: 

i;|home until 1868, when he emigrated to Iowa and 

^;|became a resident of Wapello County, settling first 
iin Agencj' Township, where he cultivated rented 
:land for a year, and then purchased his present 

> L-homestead in Highland Township. 

. : Before coming to Iowa, after the outbreak of 




the late Civil AVar, young Wheaton enlisted as a 
soldier in Co. D, 1st Vt. Vol. Cav., and served three 
years and seven months. He was with Gen. Kil- 
patrick and Custer in the campaign of the Shenan- 
doah Valley, being at the battle of Gettysburg and 
other engagements in which his regiment par- 
ticipated. He was also present at the second 
battle of Bull Run. On the 7th of October, 
1863, he was captured by the rebels under Gen. 
Mosely, taken to Libby Prison, and confined there 
until the following January. He was then trans- 
ferred to Annapolis, Md., and was absent from his 
regiment for nearly one year, rejoining it finally at 
Harrisburg, Va., and while skirmishing under Gen. 
Sheridan was again captured, and confined in Libby 
Prison until the following February, when he was 
exchanged. In 1862 he was detailed as Orderly 
for Gen. Howe, and served in that capacity' for sev- 
eral months. 

After his honorable discharge from the army, 
Mr. Wheaton, after a brief sojourn in his native 
State, turned his face westward as heretofore stated. 
In the meantime he had been united in marriage 
with Miss Sybil Hatch, of Vermont, the wedding 
occuriug in October, 1865. Mrs. W. is the daughter 
of James and Rebecca (Rutter) Hatch, and was 
born Sept. 12, 1844. By her union with our subject 
she has become the mother of four children, all at 
home — James, Carrie, William and Harr^-. Our 
subject and his family occupy a fine residence, 
which he erected in 18.S2. His barn and out- 
buildings correspond with the dwelling, and the 
farm machinery, with all other appurtenances, in- 
dicate the supervision of a first-class agriculturist. 

The father of our subject departed this life on 
the 10th of July, IcS(;i, while in the prime of life, 
being only forty-seven years of age. The mother 
survived her husband seventeen years, dying in 
1878, aged sixty -five. The latter was a member of 
the Presbyterian Church, and passed her declining 
years at the home of her son in Elk River, Minn. 
The parental household included four children, of 
whom only three are living : Charles, a lawj-er, and 
Harry, a merchant, both residing in Elk River, 
Sherburne Co., Minn., and W. M., our subject. 

The mother of Mrs. Wheaton, before her mar- 
riage, was Miss Reliecca Rutter, of English descent. 




^5 





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tf^KrxiTiiti 



294 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



and both parents were natives of A'ermont. Mr. 
Hatch was a harness-maker by trade, and also en- 
gaged in agi-icultural pnrsuits, and departed this 
life in August, 1883, at the age of seventy-four 
years. The mother is still living in Vermont, and 
is a member of the Baptist Church. The parental 
family consisted of five children, only two of whom 
are living — Mrs. Wheaton, and her lirother, ]VLirtin 
B. Hatch, who is engaged in farming in his native 
State. 

-^ ^cp. ^ 

?>1LL1AM lllUST, a 



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S" P~ \/\/// grower, will be found on 
Jm^W, W'^ land Townshij). He is a 

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this union there has been one child, Rosilla, wh<f 
lives with her parents. Mr. Hirst is the owner of 
a fine farm of 160 acres, all of which is under im- 
provement, and on the place are a good house and 
barn and all necessarj^ improvements. In iiolitics 
he is a Republican. 




farmer and stock- 
section 21, Rieh- 
p. tie IS a native of York- 
shire. England, born Sept. 19, 1819, and is a son of 
Thomas and Thu-be Hirst. Thomas Hirst in his 
3'ounger days was a weaver by trade, and afterward 
a farmer. He and his wife both died in England. 
In his native country William learned the trade of 
a shoemaker, whiih occupation he there followed 
for some years, and there married Eliza Kershaw, 
who was born in 1822. VV'ith his wife and two 
children, Mr. Hirst came to this country in 1851. 
They were five weeks in crossing the ocean on a 
sailing-vessel, and made their first location in Steu- 
benville. Ohio, where they remained three years, 
and where Mr. Hirst worked at his 'trade of shoe- 
making. From Ohio they moved to Burlington, 
Iowa, and from there they came to Wapello 
County, in 1851, where they have continued to re- 
side, Mr. Hirst alternating shoeraaking with farm- 
ing. The parents of Mrs Hirst came to America 
about 1843, and located at Steuben ville, Ohio, 
where her father engaged at his trade of a cloth 
manufacturer. Both her parents are now deceased. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hirst became the parents of seven 
children: Sarah A., the wife of William Hayes, lives 
in Nebraska ; Ruth is deceased ; Thomas is at home ; 
James married Nancy Mc(iee, and now lives in 
Dakota; Martha is the wife of Thomas Kirkpatrick, 
I and lives in this county ; John married Esther Mc- 
Gee, and lives in Ottumwa; Abraham Lincoln is at 
home; William is deceased. Mrs. Hirst died in 
1862, and Mr. Hirst was again married, in 1865, to 
Mrs. E. J. Marshall, who was born in Ohio, Dee. 
19, 1838. and the widow of William Marshall. By 



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Fr'i^r'r'HHr'r^r^rlc! 




M. KELSEY, a farmer and stock-raiser on 
section 36, Richland Township, was born in 
Putnam County, Ind., July 9, 1843, and is 
a son of Joseph and Rebecca (Stephens) Kelsey. 
The family' moved from Indiana to Davis County, 
Iowa, in 1850, and about 1860 moved to JMercer 
Count}', Mo., where the father died Jan. 5, 1865. 
After his death his widow came to Iowa, and died 
in this county Jan. 30, 1873. 

F. M. Kelsey, the subject -of this sketch, was 
reared upon a farm, and received only the ad- 
vantages of a common-school education. In 1 862 
he enlisted in Co. B, 27th Mo. Vol. Inf., under 
Capt. Henry Shook, and served until June, 1865. 
After its organization the regiment was stationed 
at St. Louis, Mo., for a time, and was then sent to 
the front. It was in the siege and capture of 
Mcksburg, the battles of Lookout Mountain and 
Mission Ridge. It accompanied Sherman on his 
famous march from Atlanta to the sea, and was 
then sent bj- steamer to Buford, S. C, from which 
jilace it was sent to Raleigh, N. C, and thence to 
Washington Cit}', where it was at the close of the 
war. The members of the regiment were paid off 
;ind discharged at St. Louis. Mr. Kelsey was 
among the fortunate ones who passed through the 
service without injury, except sunstroke. 

After his discharge our subject returned to 
Iowa, and in 1865 was married to Emily J. Brown, 
daughter of Williamson and Jane (Rich) Brown. 
Her f.ather died in Indiana in 1875, but the mother 
still lives on the old homestead in that State. Mr. 
and Mrs. Kelsey are the parents of four children — 
OUie E., Charles H., Samuel R. and Andrew M. 
Mr. Kelsey is the owner of eighty acres of good 
land on the home farm, on which is a good house 
and barn and other first-class improvements. He 
has ninety acres of farm land, with good house and 



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1 1* barn, on section 36, of Richland Township. For 

j^ three years Mr. Kelsey was Superintendent of the 

[^ Poor Farm of Wapello Count}', his management 

[S being ver^' satisfactory. lie and his wife are mem- 

{iS bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In poli- 
ties Mr. K. is a Republican. 



~wT. ~vteCj2'®^5^-^^fe-»-^^a/2'^rzr»v- -VT./^ 



WAPELLO 




1 
1 

[| [F_^ ARVEY ELLER, a highly respected farmer 
** H'^X^ _.,jjf[ stock-grower of Competine Township, 
1^ LB)^ is the possessor of a valuable tract of land 
(^) on section 16, and in the various depart- 
ments of his business is meeting with more than 
ordinary success. He is a gentleman of enterprise 
and energy, carrying on his farming 0]3erations in 
a skillful manner, and in his stock-growing opera- 
tions exhibits some of the finest animals in this sec- 
tion of the Hawkeye State. Mr. Eller is a native 
of Wilkes County, N. C, and was born March 24, 
1819. He is the son of Simeon and f'annie (Mc- 
Neil) EUei-, the former born in Ashe Countj% N. 
C, Sept. 8, 1796, and the latter in Wilkes County, 
the same State, about the year 1798. The father of 
our subject was of German, and the mother of 
Scottish ancestry. Their household consisted of 
eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, as 
follows : Harvey, of our sketch, was the oldest-; 
Polly Whitington resides in Xorth Carolina; J. C. 
i[| lives in Cla}- County, Neb.; Nancy, Mrs. Vanno^-, 
iS died in April, 1847, and is buried in her native 
State; William moved to Nebraska in 1873, and 
there died ; James is a farmer and merchant, and 
remains in his native State of North Carolina; 
Jesse F. was a Captain in the Confederate army, 
and is now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Vir- 
:| ginia; David was also a soldier during the late war, 
I and died in the Confederate army, the date of his 
-| death and the place of his burial are unknown; 
* Anderson, a farmer and blacksmith, resides in 
;S Wilkes County, N. C. The mother of these chil- 
> dren died in October, 18.57. Thomas Eller was 
J^s conscripted into the Confederate army, and killed 
i^S at 



Chancellorsville. The youngest daughter, 
)|;r America Ann, first married William Whitington, 






V- ; ; afterward Mr. Weaver, and resides in Ashe Countj', 



social and political affairs of North Carolina, and ^^^ 
well known throughout that section for their jB 
straightforward business methods, kindly sympath- i| 
ies, and the efforts which they made to promote the R 
general welfare of their fellow-citizens, being strong- 
supporters of education, morality and religion. 

The early life of Harvey Eller was passed in his 
native count}', on his father's farm. The father was 
also engaged in distilling and blacksmithing, and 
his son operated with him after he became of suit- 
able age until his marriage. This event took place 
in November, 1841, the maiden of his choice be- 
ing Miss Mary Caroline Vannoy. After their mar- 
riage j'oung Eller continued farming pursuits in 
Wilkes County for the following eleven years. In 
view of his strong temperance views and his anti- 
slavery principles, and having listened to a forci- 
ble speech b}' Phillip S. White upon these subjects, 
in due time Mr. Eller concluded to "pull up stakes" 
and go awaj' from a vicinity where his principles 
of right were being constantly subjected to out- 
rage, and accordingly he loaded his wife and seven 
small children into a wagon, and started for the 
countrj' beyond the Mississippi. They landed in 
Jefferson County, Iowa, on the 10th of December, 
1852, after a tedious journe}- of eight weeks. In 
1855 he removed to Wapello County, and pur- 
chased a tract of wild land on section 5, in Com- 
petine Township, which he cultivated and occu- 
pied for the following ten years, when he sold out 
and purchased 240 acres on section 16. He after- 
ward sold eighty acres of this, and continued to 
improve and cultivate the remainder, which he has 
brought to a fine state of cultivation, and it is pro- 
vided with a good farm residence and out-build- 
ings. 

Of the union of Air. and Mrs. Eller there were 
born fifteen children, of whom the record is as fol- 
lows : William H. is an attorney of Blair, Neb. ; 
he enlisted as a soldier during the late war, being 
a member of the 19th Iowa Volunteers; B. C, 
another son, is a farmer of Clay Count}', Neb., he 
was also a soldier, a member of Co. K., 9th Iowa 
Vol. Cav. ; Jennie. ]Mrs. Hook, lives in Highland 
Township; Nancy, Mrs. Troxel, resides in Clay 
County, Neb.; Mary O., Mrs. Phelps, died in 1881, 







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WAPELLO COUNTY. 




in Hampton, Franklin County, this State; James 
A. is a farmer of Clay County, Neb. ; Jesse F. is 
engaged in the real-estate and brokerage business 
at Clay Center, Neb.; Israel Curtus is a practicing 
attorney and Clerk of the Court of Washington 
Count}', Neb., his residence being at Blair; Mar- 
tha E., the wife of G. W. Dickens, lives in Com- 
petine Township, this county, on section 17; John 
was drowned in 187.5, in Compeline Creek; T. A. 
is a farmer of Clay Count}', Neb. ; J. H. is a hard- 
ware merchant of Clay Center, the same State ; E. 
C. ojjerates a farm in Clay Count}', Neb. ; ]\Laggie, 
Mrs. Davis, is a resident of ^\'apello County ; O. 
R., the youngest son, is living with his parents. A 
grandson of Mr. Eller, L. D. Phelps, is the son of 
Mary O. (Eller) Phelps. 

The parents of Mrs. Eller were Jesse and Polly 
(Kilby) Vannoy, and were natives of North Caro- 
lina, the maternal grandfather being a drummer 
boy during the Revolutionary AVar. Our subject 
and his wife are prominently connected with the 
Baptist Church, and ^Ir. JOller politically is strongly 
Republican, and an ardeut advocate of prohibition. 



REDERICK METZGER, a first-class farmer 




and stock-grower, residing on section 2, 
Center Township, was born in Wittenberg, 
Germany, Nov. 12, 1839. He is a son of John M. 
and Barbara (Bloodhart) Metzger, who came to 
America with their family in 1854, and located in 
Muskingum County, Ohio, where the father bought 
a farm and engaged in farming. There Frederick 
remained until 18G7, when he removed to Davis 
County, Iowa, where he engaged in farming three 
years. In 1870 he moved to Wapello County, and 
in 1878 to Floyd County, where he remained until 
1881, and then came back to Wapello County, where 
he has since continued to reside. 

In 1863 Mr. Metzer was united in marriage with 
Miss Carrie Harsh, who was born in Ohio, Oct. 25, 
1843. Mrs. M. was the daughter of Gottlieb and 
Phcjebe (Burkhart) Harsh, and her parents were of 
German origin. 

Mr. and Mrs. Metzger are the parents of nine 
children — Charles F., deceased; William C, Lizzie, 



Jennie, Edward, Albert, Clara, Harry and Carrie4;(|i 
Our subject is the owner of 1 GO acres of good landliJH 
on which is a desirable house and substantial barn^;5j 
together with other improvements. Under a parti ft 
of the land has been discovered a fine vein of coal^ 
the whole farm probably, being underlaid with coali 
Mr. Metzger religiouslv is a member of the Luth-5 
eran Church, and in politics is a Democrat. Mrsi 
ISIetzger died Feb. 7, 1.S84, at their residence, and; 
is buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery, about six milesS k. 



a 

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1 
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south of Ottumwa. 

When Mr. Metzger began life he had but ullh* ^ 
of this world's goods, but by industry and econom}'5 }j 
he has succeeded iu accumulating a comfortable|: [ 
competency for himself and family. A fine viewS!^ 
of the residence, barns, stock and coal mine isjin 
shown on another page of this work. J; } 



i-^ AVID GEPHART, an enterprising farmerS'; . 
jlj and stock-grower of this county, will beajii 
^ found on section 1, Center Township,gj 
where he is prosperously engaged in thel 
varied duties of his chosen calling. 

Mr. Gephart is a native of Berkeley County, Va.,§^i 
and was born Aug. 27. 1820, being the son of Bar-Ssi 
nett and Sarah (Falk) Gephart. His father was aiii 



KSl 



native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Virginia.|:i 
The former died Jan. 23, 1829, in Virginia. After||i 
his father's death his mother moved with her family^} 



to Pickaway County, Ohio, where she died in aboul^' 



186'; 



3.: 



In early life David Gephart learned the trade of 
a carpenter, which he followed for many years. InSi 
1849 he left Ohio, and coming to Iowa he workedp} 
at his trade in connection with farming until 1857.31} 
He then quit the carpenter business and has sinceS^[ 
followed that of farming exclusively. In 184Gj;[ 
when the war with Mexico broke out, he enlistedai} 
as a private in Co. I, 2d Ohio Vol. Inf., and server 
one year, being mustered out June 27, 1847. On3|P 
the oth day of June, 1851, he was united in mar-g'li 
riage with Miss Sophia E., daughter of Charles F.s 
and ISIary Blake, and the}' have become the par-: r 
ents of the following children: Agnes, now the: 
wife of Joseph Kitchen, lives in Knox County^ 
Neb.; Mary, Mrs. William Carpenter, lives in Wsi-: 




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pello County; Arthur married Miss Rosalind But- 
ton, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and they live in Ottumwa; 
Franklin, Walter, Anna and Xelis nre single and 
live at home. Mrs. Gephart died Sept. .il, 1871. 

The subject of this biography is tiie owner of 
165 acres of good land where he resides, and twenty 
acres near Ottumwa. On the home farm is a fine 
brick dwelling-house, good barns and all necessary 
out-buildings. His place is well fenced, and the 
farm is in a high state of cultivation. He is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics 
is Democratic. 

A fine lithographic view of the handsome resi- 
dence and out-buildings on the farm of Mr. Gep- 
hart will be found on another page of this work. 



«-j»»^- 



4i^~^^^^ 



Slr^ENJAMIN L. REES, a locomotive engineer, 
|Li^ and a resident of Kirkville, was born in 
/^]l] Lancaster County, Pa., March 21, 1849. His 
'^^^y father^was John Rees, and the maiden name 
of his mother was Rachel A. Brooks. Tiie father 
went from Penus3dvania to Ohio in 1852, and lived 
there for twenty years, or until 1872, when he 
passed to the land of the hereafter. His good wife 
is yet living, and resides near Columbus, Ohio. Mr. 
Rees of this notice, in 1869, hoping to better his 
financial condition, left Ohio, where his parents 
were residing, and came to Louisa County, this 
State. He remained there only a few months, 
and then went to Muscatine County, where, in 
1871, he was married to Miss Eliza Bond. Miss 
Bond was born in Liverpool, England, Feb. 4, 1851, 
and is a daughter of John Bond, who, with his 
good wife, departed this life at St. Louis, Mo. 

The subject of this notice, by his union with 
Miss Bond has become the father of live children — 
Hattie A., Birdie M., Emma A. (deceased), and 
two who died in infancy. Whatever education 
our subject possesses he acquired in the common 
schools and by study at home. He is tin proprietor 
of a good dwelling and two lots, situated in Bis- 
sell's addition to Kirkville. The company for 
wiiich Mr. Rees is at present working is engaged 
in mining on the O. K. R. R., twelve miles from 




Ottumwa and one mile from Kirkville; he is no 
engaged as an engineer and is held in high es 
teem by his emi)Ioyers. Prior to accepting thS^^^ 
position which he at present occupies he was en- :; 
gaged as an engineer on the " Q " road, running a 
engine for two years, and also having acted in thfi| 
capaeit}- of fireman on that road for a number oj 
years. He is a thorough master of his trade, an(!r s 
a gentleman well liked by all who have the pleasure j} 
of making his acquaintance. The only order to 
which he belongs is that of the A. F. & A. M. 



"f^ OBERT McCORMICK, a pioneer settler of 
\>itf Highland Township, located here in 1848,[ 
/iTwi upon the homestead which he still occupies 
^^and which is pleasantly situated on section 
16. His first purchase consisted of ninety acres in 
its original condition, which he industriously culti- 
vated and improved and to which he subsequently "gi hi 
added until he now has 174 acres (ten of which are^ ^ 
in timber) finely improved and under a good state 
of cultivation. He has been honest and upright in 
his transactions, and during a period of nearly 



forty years has built up for himself a reputation as l 
an honest man and a good citizen. 

The subject of this history was born in Gallatin 
County, Ky., in 1825, and is the son of John and 
Nancy (Cox) McCormick, natives respectively of 
Maryland and Kentucky. When he was a lad ten, ^^ 
years old his parents removed to McDonough 
County, 111., and settled upon a farm, where our 
subject lived until 1848. He then crossed the' 
Father of Waters, and coming directly to Wapello 
County, located on the farm where he now resides. 

Mr. McC. was married in 1847, to jMiss Charlotte 
Miller, of Breckem-idge County, Ky.,and they be- 
came the parents of ten children, of whom the rec- 
ord is as follows : Louis C. lives in Cass County, 
Iowa; Martha became the wife of Joseph Gray, 
and died in 1879; Jesse D. ; Henry married Leorah 
Phelps, and lives in this county ; Parthenia is at 
home ; Catharine is married to Robert Cresswell, of 
Ottumwa; Sarah E., Jane. Flora E. and Nancy 
Irene are at home. 

Mr. McCormick has been connected with the i^HI 



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School Board of this township for sixteen j'ears. 
He is a member of the Predestinarian Baptist 
Church, and politicall}- is a Greenbacker. In ad- 
dition to general farming he makes a specialtj' of 
raising hogs for the market and has attained quite 
a reputation in this direction. The father of our 
subject departed this life in 1880, at the advanced 
age of ninety-three; the mother had passed to her 
long home in 1837, aged forty-eight years. 



\J 



/AMES M. RKKiS, one of the most pros- 
perous farmers of Wapello County, was a 
pioneer settler of Iowa, coming iiere in 1844, 
when he was a little lad of six }-ears old, 
from his native State of Virginia, where he was 
born in ^Marshall County, on the 11th of April, 
1831). lie is the sun of Edmuud and Susanna (Rush) 
Riggs, natives respectively of A'irginia and Penu- 
S3ivania, wiio were married in the latter State. In 
1844 they emigrated to Iowa, locating first in Van 
Buren County, where they remained for two years, 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. They then came 
into Wapello Countj' and located on a piece of 
Government land in Washington Township, three 
miles west of the present site of Eldon village. 
Before their removal, however, the father had en- 
tered his claim and erected upon it a log cabin 
16x18 feet, into which he removed his family in 
the spring of 1840. He then entered industriouslj' 
upon the improvement and cultivation of his land, 
and with the assistance of his wife and son, soon 
commenced the raising of produce an.d stock. 
Here, also, the devoted family endured all the hard- 
ships and privations of pioneer life. Their milling- 
was done principally' at Bonaparte, manj' miles 
awaj^ which, with the distance and the uneven 
roads, occupied a week's time in carrying and bring- 
ing the grist for the family. But they had come to 
stay, and no obstacle which presented itself had any 
weight in moving them from their resolution, and 
in due time the}- received the reward of their la- 
bors. The barren fields gave place to waving grain 

53 



and pasture land, and fine farm stock soon took the ~ i 

place of the wild animals that originally roamed over |; ]■ 

the prairies and through the forests. In due time the 

household was completed b^- the birth of five more 

children, and now included four daughters and two g } 

sons, of whom two are deceased : INIary married - P 

John A. Kerr, in 1848, he died in 1852, and she , . 

3 
then married E. Rush, who died in 1855, of cholera; -t 

she then became the wife of H. J. Thomas, of AVa- 
pello County ; John is also a resident of this county ; 
Martha A. married D. Malon Railsback, of Galatin 
County, Mont., and James M., our subject, com- 
pletes the list of those living. 

Edmund Riggs, the father of our subject, de- 
parted this life on the 22d of June, 1875, the af- 
fectionate wife and mother having preceded him 
to the better land on the 4th of December, 1857. 
Thev had led earnest Christian lives, and their 
names are held in kindly remembrance bj- all who 
knew them. Mr. Riggs was a gentleman of enter- 
prise and energ}-, of sound judgment and intelli- 
gence, and the strictest integrity. In politics he 
was originally an old-line Whig, but after the dis- 
establishment of the old party became a Republican, 
and uniformly cast his vote in support of its prin- 
ciples. 

James M. Riggs was reared in Wapello County 
and received his early education in the pioneer 
schools. In 1874 he went to Montana and spent 
the gi-eater part of his time there for the following 
ten years. In the meantime, on the 21st of De- 
cember, 1882, he was maiTied in Wapello County 
to Mrs. Anna (Walkius) Williams, the wadow of 
David Williams. Mrs. Riggs is a native of Penn- 
sylvania, and was born in 1840. 

The subject of our sketch is the possessor of 156 

acres of farming land, eighty of which are in a good 

state of cultivation. The farm is all enclosed, and 

is provided with a comfortable residence, good 

barns and all necessary out-buildings. From his 

boyhood Mr. R. has been an interested observer of 

the changes which have been succeeding each other 

as his adopted State has developed into her present p 

position of wealth and independence, and these S^ 

chanaes he has viewed with the unselfish satisfac- 5; 

5' 
tion which has characterized the feelings of the g 

genuine pioneers who cheerfully gave their labor ? 



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WAPELLO 



} : and their lives for the development of the resources 
J;|; of the foiintrj' and the consequent good of their 
\'A children unto later generations. 




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:| n SRAEL YOUNG, one of the honored pioneers 
of the Hawkeye State, crossed the Mississippi 
i't ,ii from the State of Indiana in 1843, while Iowa 
\'^ was still a Territory, and has been a resident of this 
\-'_t section since that time. He has been an interested 



Hi 



;> witness of the remarkable changes which have taken 
J; place since that time, and to the best of his abilit3' 
: he has contributed his quota to aid the march of 
X-'z civilization and progress. He is now one of the 
W;' highly respected citizens of Ottumwa, and ie pass- 
\u_z ing the later years of his life in the enjoyment of 
'tif-z the fruits of early industry and economy. 

The subject of this history was born on a farm 
nji: near Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, on the 23d of 
ffl;; November, 1816. He is the son of Jacob and 
W g Elizabeth (Price) Young, the father a native of 
;Tf Maryland and the mother of Lancaster County, 
v z Pa. They were married at Emmitsburg, Md., and 
li : in 1810, journeyed westward into Warren County, 
T| : Ohio, where they located, and were among the ear- 
liest settlers of that region. Thej- there became 
iliE the parents of ten children, of whom the subject of 
oui' sketch is the third in order of birth. 

Israel Young was reared and educated in his na- 
lij tive county, his home life being spent in the log 
i:: cabin which constituted his iiarents' dwelling, and 
1. J his studies being pursued in another cabin called a 
1 n school-house. At the age of twenty-two years, in 
^' t l,s;i8, he started for the West with teams and ac- 



^ 



\ ; comi)anied by his brother. They crossed the Mis- 
sissippi into Jefferson County, Iowa, and there our 
subject located a tract of land, ^'ery few settlers 
had ventured into this region at that early da}' and 
lj;i only the smoke of the rude cabin here and there 
y.i disturbed the primitive calm of the prairie. In a 
|il short time Israel Young returned to Indiana, where 
I r1 he remained until 1 843, and then, crossing the Father 
: of Waters the second time, once more came into 
Jefferson County, and located near the Wapello 



^■-z 



line. He now industriously commenced to improve 
the land in his possession, and in due time was re- 
warded by its fertility and beauty. In the course 
of four years he considered that he was in a condi- 
tion to invite a companion to share his cabin home, 
and accordingly, in 1847, was united in marriage 
with Miss Catharine Hughell, who was a native of 
his own county, where she was born on the 8th of 
June, 1812. Mrs. Young was a daughter of Joseph 
Hughell, of Washington County, Pa., who removed 
from his native State to Kentucky, and served as a 
soldier in the War of 1812. He was a daring and 
courageous man, and was identified with the Ran- 
gers, who obtained such celebrity in that region 
during the agitation between the colonies and the 
mother country. Mr. Hughell, in earl}' manhood, 
was married to Miss Pha'be Pugh, in 1803, in War- 
fen County, Ohio, and they became the parents of 
seven daughters and one son, all of whom except- 
ing two are now living. The record is as follows: 
Phoebe became the wife of Alex McCIeese, de- 
ceased ; Mary was born in Iowa, became the wife 
of George Wilson, now deceased; Catharine is a 
resident of Ottuiuwa; Martha married Eden Cra- 
mer, of Oregon; Clarissa J. married William Free- 
man, of Stockton, Cal. Mr. and Mrs. Hughell came 
to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1838, and spent the 
remainder of their lives in this State. They lived 
together as husband and wife for nearly seventy 
years and, strongly attached in their lives, in death 
were not long divided. They were active members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. 
Hughell was a Class-Leader for more than fifty 
j'ears. They retained their mental faculties and 
physical strength to a remarkable degree, and when 
they were both about ninety years old they made 
a journey together from California to Iowa by 
themselves. 

Mr. and Mrs. Young, after their marriage, settled 
in Des Moines Township, and resided upon one 
farm for a period of fort}' years. They became the 
parents of four children, of whom the record is as 
follows : David, now a resident of Southern Mis- 
souri, served as a soldier in the late Rebellion, and 
returned home unharmed; .Samuel is in Montana; 
Julia A. is in Cloud County, Ivan., and is the wife of 
Curtis Alderson, who served in the late war, was 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



captured by the rebels and confined in Anderson- 
ville Prison, and is now living in Kansas, and Joseph 
is in Pottawatomie County, Kan. 

Mr. Young removed from Des Moines to Wap- 
ello County, in ISSfi, locating in Ottnmwa. where 
they have won the confidence and esteem of a large 
circle of friends and acquaintances, who will be 
pleased to see their portraits in connection with 
this brief (lersonal sketch. Mr. Young is Demo- 
cratic in politics, and in all respects is fulfilling the 
duties of a good citizen. 



-E>- 



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(^^fcHOMAS E. SHEARS, engineer of the water- 
((((^^ works at Ottumwa, was born in Brooklyn, 
^^^ N. Y., Jan. 1, 1852, and is the son of Joseph 
and Mary A. Shears, natives of Oxfordshire, En- 
gland. The old folk came to the States when quite 
young, and were married in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 
1849. In 1856 the}' removed to Aurora, Kane 
Co., 111., where the father followed his trade, that 
of a brickm.ason. He subsequently engaged In 
building and contracting, but at present is working 
for the C. & N. W. R. R., and is located in Dakota. 
At the breaking out of the late Civil War, the 
father of our subject, who was at that time an en- 
gineer of the C, B. & il- R. R., in company with 
several others, enlisted. They were sworn into the 
89th Illinois Infantry, which was known as the 
" railroad regiment," there being so many railroad 
men belonging to it. On account of so many en- 
gineers leaving the C.,B. & Q. R. R. to join this 
regiment, the company was scarce of men, and it 
was through their influence that our subject's father 
I and several others were released from service. 
The parents of our subject had a family of three 
children: T. E., the subject of this notice; George 
F., professor in surger}' at Hahnemann College, 
and Sarah J., wife of Charles Fritz. i>f Aurora, 111., 
and a carriage-maker by vocation. 

The sultject of this notice was reared to man- 
hood at Am'ora, 111., and it was in the schools of 
that city that he received his education. He first 
started out to do for himself by clerking in ;in in- 
surance office at Aurora, which position he liUcd 




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with credit to himself and his employers. AVhen yji 
seventeen years of age he was engaged as an em- 
ploye of the C, B. ife <^. R. R., as fireman. When 
twenty years old he was promoted to the position M 
of engineer, and in 1871 he was transferred to Iowa 3^ i 
and placed on the Iowa division of that company, ati 
This necessitated a change of his residence, and was Stj 
the principal cause of his removal to Ottumwa. a| 
In the fall <if 18.S0 Mr. Shears was elected engineer sfi 
of the water-works at C)ttumwa, and has since held |h 
that position, giving entire satisfaction to all inter- ^ i 
ested in the faithful performance of his duty. 

Mr. Shears was married, in 1870, at Galesbura;, 3si 
111., to Miss Mar}' Lamphere, daughter of Hon. G. ei 
C. Lamphere, of Galesburg. Our subject is a mem- ejf 
ber of the Masonic fraternity, holding fellowshi)) |: 



with Ottumwa Lodge No. Ki, and also Clinton 3h 



Chapter No. 9, of Ottumwa. 



' ^^ - > 



Tiffi>fi!T 



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CROSSON, one of the old settlers of Ma- si 
haska and Wapello Counties, and a gentle- p J 
man well known by the citizens of this ^\ 
county, and respected for his sterling traits Js' 
of character, settled at Eddj'ville in 1855, and has ^, 
continued to reside there ever since, with the ex- ; 
ception of about three j'ears, during which time he H} 
lived at Keokuk. Mr. Crosson wa.s born in Fayei 
County, Ind. in 1833, and is the son of James ^ 
and Catharine (Dix) Crosson, the father a native of e 
Ohio, and the mother of Pennsylvania. Our sub- pj 
ject was reared to manhood on a farm and received g| } 
what education he possesses in the public schools 
and in the seminary at Couuersville, Ind. When 
he was twenty j'ears of age he apprenticed himself 
to learn the trade of a brickmason, and has fol- 
lowed that occupation off and on until the present 
time. In the winter of 1855-56, he taught a win- 
ter school in Mahaska County, and the next winter 
taught school in Wapello County. He is a thor- fi) 
ongh master of his trade and has done considerable |i 
contracting and building, having worked in various jij 
parts of the State. He erected the livery stable of |:i 
McNeil (Si Co., and the Novelty shops, and several jlp 
other buildings at Oskaloosa, and also erected a ; 



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large block of buildings in Grinnell, Iowa, in 1861. 




WAPELLO 



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i?t He was appointed Postmaster at Eddyville. Sept. 
if 1, 1885. In 187G he was nominated on the Green- 
$1 back ticket for State Representative, but was de- 
feated. 
■ijj Mr. Crosson was married, in October, 1856, to 
j Miss Elizabeth Stannus, a native of Ohio, and a 
I daughter of George and Sarah Stannus. Of this 
union five children were born : Frank Stannus, at 
present a contractor and builder in New Mexico; 
Albert Lincoln, editor of a paper in Black Hawk, 
Col., known as the Black Hawk Times; Marion 
Elsworth, living at home and engaged in the study 
of law ; Laura May is residing at home, and Assist- 
ant Postmaster of Eddyville; Erminna Jane is liv- 
ing at home and attending school. From 1858 to 
1861 our subject was engaged in clerking in a 
store at Keokuk, the firm with which he was eu- 
i| gaged being Stannus Bros. During the war he was 
Assistant Provost Marshal of his district. Mr. 
'S Crosson comes of a family noted for its longevity, 
:| his father having been born in 1795, and dying in 
1860, and his mother having lived to attain the 
;S venerable age of eighty-seven j'ears. 



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I. LENTNER, of Highland Township, and 
a citizen held in the highest esteem by his 
community, is a native of Ohio, and the son 
of George M. and Mary Lentner, natives of 
Delaware and Ohio respectively. He was Itorn in 
1835, and at the age of sixteen years accompanied 
his parents across the Mississippi. Coming into 
Wapello County, they made their first location in 
i|^ Dahlonega Township, on section 12, where they re- 
■q^S mained until the spring of 1864. They then re- 
moved into Highland Township upon a tract of 
land on section 35, which constitutes the present 
i-^j homestead. The farm was only partly improved, 
iqE and they labored industriously for a number of 
I as years, bringing it to a good state of cultivation. 

The subject of this history was married in Au- 
gust, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth Godfrey, of Wapello 
County, and of their uni(m there were born four 
children — William Tjier, (hace D., Norton (4. and 
Rhoda. During the late Rebellion Mr. Lentner 



served his country as a soldier in the Union Army, 
enlisting Aug. 7, 1862, in the 36th Iowa Infantry, 
and served until the close of the war. He endured 
courageouslj' with his comrades all the privations 
and hardships of a soldier's life, and participated in 
the various battles of his division, being at Ft. 
Pemberton, Helena, Little Rock, etc., and escaping 
unharmed through many dangers. After his re- 
turn home he engaged in agricultural pursuits upon 
the old homestead, where he has since resided, car- 
rying on the peaceful pursuits of a farmer's life 
and fulfilling all the duties of a good citizen. 



-^ ^-^ ^ 

/ip5^> ENECA CORNELL, attorney at law, and 
^^^ editor and publisher of the Des Moines 
(ll/__j) Valley Journal at Eldon, Iowa, is a native 
of Jefferson County, Iowa, and was born 
in 1858. His parents are Washington and Sarah 
(Wilson) Cornell, natives of Ohio, who came to 
Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1849, and are still liv- 
ing in the city of Fairfield. The subject of this 
biography was reared upon his father's farm, re- 
ceiving careful parental training, and his primary 
education in the public schools. He remained 
with his parents until the age of eighteen years, 
when he entered Parson's College, in 1876, and 
pursued his studies there for the following four 
J'ears. He then took up the studj- of law in the 
office of Senator J. F. Willison, of Fairfield, and 
remained under the instruction of the latter for 
two J'ears following. He was admitted to the bar 
in Bloomfield, May 5, 1882, and soon afterward 
came to Eldon and commenced the practice of his 
profession. He has been remarkably successful as 
an attorney and counselor, his transactions extend- 
ing from Wapello into Van Buren, Jefferson and 
Davis Counties, and he practices in the United States 
Courts when occasion requires. Mr. Cornell, in 
connection with J. J. Conger, established the Des 
Moines Valley Journal Oct. 2, 1886. It is a seven- 
column folio. Democratic in politics, and published 
everj' Thursdaj'. It is conducted in a fearless and 
outspoken manner, and bids fair to become a suc- 
cessful and inlluential paper. 

The marriage of Seneca Cornell and Miss Ella. 



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daughter of Paul and Sarah (Gilbert) Castor, was 
celebrated Nov. 25, 1885. Mrs. Cornell is a na- 
tive of Wapello County, born in Ottumwa, and by 
her marriage with our subject has become the 
mother of one child, a son, George A., now de- 
ceased. 

Washington Cornell, the father of our subject, is 
now living in retirement at Fairfield, .Jefferson 
County. The parental familj* consisted of eleven 
children, of whom Seneca was the sixth in order of 
birth; four are deceased. Those surviving are as 
follows : G. W., a resident of Jefferson County, is 
a farmer; Laura is the wife of Joseph Wereman, of 
Van Buren County ; the next was Seneca, our sub- 
ject; Oscar is engaged in farming near Larned, 
Kan. ; Sylvenus is carrying on agriculture in Jeffer- 
son County, Iowa; Alvah U. is engaged in the 
grocery trade at Fairfield; Chloe is the wife of 
William Miller, of Fairfield. The family are well 
and favorably known in this vicinity as the sup- 
porters and encouragers of everything which tends 
to the promotion of temperance, moralitj^ and the 
nobler elements of life. 



^ATRICK II. RIORDAN, the subject of this 
Jj) biographical notice, and a resident of Ot- 
tumwa, was born near the town of Killar- 
ny. County Keny, Ireland, Dec. 13, 1844. 
Ills parents emigrated to the United States in De- 
cember, 1853, and took uj:) their residence at North 
Adams, JIass. There young Riordau attended the 
public schools, and in early life displa^'ed a zeal for 
the acquisition of useful knowledge, reading by 
candlelight, after the labors of the day were ended, 
such works as the local libraries afforded. 

Early in life our subject became a hand in the 
woolen factory of S. Blackington, of North Adams. 
He continued to labor in this manner until rebel 
shot and shell had been thundered against Sumter, 
when, although but sixteen years of age at the time, 
he at once determined that as soon as practicable 
he would shoulder his musket in defense of the 
countr3' he had adopted. About a month after the 
battle of Bull Run our subject carried his resolu- 
tion into effect, and bidding adieu to mother and 




father, and receiving their blessing, he left the old 
home, paid his own transportation to New York, 
and on the 12th of September, 1861, enlisted as a 
private soldier in the Union Army, and was as- 
signed to the 63d New York Infantry. He partici- 
pated in the battles of Yorktown. Fair Oaks, and 
the seven days" battle before Richmond, and was 
conspicuous for his gallantr3' at the battle of An- 
teitara. After the latter battle he was promoted 
Second Lieutenant, and subsequentlj' commanded 
his company until after the battle of Fredericks- 
burg, in which last engagement, while leading his 
men in a charge upon the enemj-, he was struck by 
a bullet from the enemy's gun, which disabled him, 
and in consequence of which he received an hon- 
orable discharge and was breveted Captain of the 
United States Volunteers. The wound which he 
received while in the army was iu his left shoulder, 
and after his discharge he returned home to Mas- 
sachusetts, where he worked at mill work until 
1873. 

During the year last named Mr. Riordan came 
to this State and attended the State University, 
from which he graduated in 1875, in the law de- 
partment. He Avas admitted to practice in the 
courts of Iowa during that .year, and in April, 1881, 
was admitted to practice in all the United States 
courts. He resided in Dubuque for two years, 
when he came to Ottunn\a, where he has continued 
in practice until the present time. Mr. Kiordan 
has alwaj^s cherished a deep and affectionate love 
for his mother land, and is heartily in sympathy 
with any cause that is calculated to strike the fet- 
ters from the oppressed people of his native home. 
He is President of the Ottumwa Land League, and 
in the last five years has through his own exertions 
collected and forwarded $650, through the liberality 
of the citizens of Ottumwa, to the oppressed peo- 
ple of the Emerald Isle. In an article published 
in Congressman Finerty's paper, of Chicago, the 
Congressman says: " Capt. P. H. Riordan, of Ot- 
tumwa, a gallant ex-ofHcer of Gen. Meagher's fa- 
mous Irish Brigade of the army of the Potomac, 
has been nominated for the office of Representative 
in the Iowa Legislature. We don't know which 
party the Captaiii belongs to, nor do we care. Any 
Irish-American soldier who charged up the heights 



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of Fredericksburg with Meaglier, is deserving of 
the vote of any decent American citizen of what- 
ever party." Mr. Riordan received the Democratic 
nomination for Representative, in September, 1885, 
and polled 2,880 votes. His opponent received 
2,935. 

Capt. Riordan received a beautiful sword from 
the citizens of North Adams, Mass., for gallant and 
meritorious conduct while fighting in defense of his 
country. It was received on the 1 4th of February, 
1863. On the Captain's leaving Dubuque for Ot- 
tumwa, appropriate resolutions were passed by the 
Land League of which he was a member, regretting 
that his business called him to another part of the 
State, and he was elected an honorary member of 
the League. 



^HOiSIAS BROWN, who owns and occupies a 
comfortable homestead on section 20, Rich- 
land Township, is prosperously engaged as 
a farmer and stock-grower. He was born in Ire- 
land, Oct. 25, 1825, and is a son of .Samuel and 
Letitia (Cannon) Brown, both of whom were na- 
tives of Ireland and died in their native land. 
Thomas was reared upon a farm, and received but 
a limited education. In 1845 he came to America, 
and locating at Philadelphia worked at his trade of 
blacksmithing, which he had learned before leav- 
ing Ireland. In 1855 he came to Wapello Count}', 
Iowa, and worked at his trade and farming al- 
ternately until a few years ago, when he quit 
'smithing, and has since devoted his attention to 
farming alone. 

Mr. Brown was married in Philadelphia, Aug. 
10, 1849, to Miss Mary Gilmore, also a native of 
Ireland, born in 1825. Her parents came to 
America and located in Philadelphia, but only re- 
mained one year, when they returned to Ireland, 
and there both have since died. Mr. and Mrs. 
Brown are the parents of ten children — Letitia (de- 
ceased), James, Mary L., Jennie (deceased), Sam- 
uel H., John (deceased), Austin, Martha A., James 
H. and Myrtle. 

The farm of our subject comprises ninety acres 
of laud. On the place is a good house and barn 



^ML, 



and all necessary out-buildings. Mr. Brown haspli 
held. the offices of School Director and Road Super- 
visor, and with his wife is a member of the Chris- 
tian Church. In politics our subject is a Demo- 
crat. 



-ww^^atAscc 



oi.-ji'vr^ 



<;f?AMES W. NORRIS, deceased. The subject 
of this biography deserves more than a pass- 
ing notice. He was a native of Sandwich, 
N. H., and was born Aug. 10, 1815. His par- 
ents were Samuel and Anna (Bean) Norris, and when 
a mere boy he removed with them from his native 
town to Compton, Canada, where they spent about 
six years. They then, on account of some property 
troubles, returned to the Old Granite State, where 
our subject remained until he was a youth of six- 
teen years. He then, with the consent of his father, 
went to Boston with his uncle, who was a merchant 
of Meridian and had gone to Boston to trade. 
The latter placed him on board a sailing-vessel, by 
which he journeyed to New Orleans, and thence by 
river to Marietta, Ohio. He soon afterward en- 
tered the college at that place and completed the 
education which he had begun in the common 
schools of his native State. The means for this he 
obtained by his own labor. He was studious and 
improved every opportunity to avail himself of 
useful knowledge, and after the completion of his 
course at Marietta, went to Danville, Kj'., and spent 
several months in a law office with a skilled lawyer 
of that locality. He then journeyed north into the 
Prairie State, locating at Bloomingtou, and in due 
time was admitted to the bar, and became the friend 
and associate of some of the first men of Illinois. 
He enjoyed an intimate friendship with Abraham 
Lincoln, and practiced with him on the same circuit. 
He was also a great admirer of Henry Clay, of 
whom he was an active and valuable supporter at 
the time the latter was a candidate for the Presi- 
dency of the United States. 

In 1841 or 1842 Mr. Norris went to Chicago, 111., 
where he published the first directory of the city, 
in 1844. He was also the founder of the Chicago 
Euening Journal, which has been a regular visitor 
at the homes of so many in the Northwest for a 
period of forty j'ears. Five years later Mr. Norris, 






jtt tXXX^rTlTlfTlTfflll lT IlII II 



riH llI XXJI^XXJTtTIITirTf ip 



isasprS; 



in company with six young men, started for the 
gold fields of California. They were equipped with 
a mule-team and a colored driver, and supplied not 
only with everything to make them comfortable, 
but many of the luxnries of travel. While cross- 
ing the Skunk River in Iowa one of thje mules was 
drowned, and in going through Dahlonega Town- 
ship, this county, there appeared to the astonished 
eyes of James Norris, his father coming toward 
them on horseback. The latter persuaded our sub- 
ject that it would be folly to proceed on the expe- 

ji'dition, and wished him to go to St. Joseph, Mo., 
with him to distribute Bibles. To this James con- 
sented, and upon returning located in Ottumwa. 
Iowa, where he again entered upon the practice of 
his profession. In due time he was intrusted with 
an important bill for collection, and the only way 
in which it could be settled was to levj^ on a ten- 
acre tract of land, which eventually came into his 
possession, is now included in the city limits, and is 
verj' valuable. 
^Ml' i" 18.50 iMiss Martha R. Spaulding came to Ot- 

I tuuiwa on a visit to her In-other, Rev. B. A. Spauld- 
ing. This lady was highlj' educated, and our sub- 
ject was united with her in marriage July 27 of 
the following 3'ear. They subsequent!}" went to 
Eddy ville, where Mr. Norris established the Eddj'- 
ville Five Press, which is still in existence and boasts 
the age of thirty-four years. After a time, wish- 
ing to change his location, he returned to Ottumwa 
y and purchased the Courier, which he conducted as 
editor and jiroprietor, and materially assisted in the 
organization of the Republican partj'. He remained 
connected with this paper until after the war, and in 
1S(J7 visited Europe and attended the Paris Exposi- 
tion, reaping a rich experience from his observation 
of foreign customs and manners and the commod- 
ities and works of art of the world as exhibited 
there. 

During the war Jlr. Xorris was made Postmaster 
of ()ttumw%<i by the appointment of President Lin- 
coln. He was a stanch Republican in politics and 
a strong temperance man. A few j'ears later, moved 
by his detestation of tlie liquor traffic, he estab- 
lished a prohibition paper, which he named the 
Daily Vindicator, which was afterward suspended. 
rHe subsequently purcliased a half interest in the 



m 



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Ottumwa Democrat, his idea being that he could 
better subserve the prohibition party, and eventually 
became the sole proprietor, but c<jnducted the paper 
only a short time. Both he and his wife were con- 
nected with the Congregational Church. This ex- 
cellent man died in Ottumwa on the .3d of ^larch, 
1881, leaving a wife, but no family. 

EORGE RILEY, Jit., one of the editors and 
publishers of the Ottumwa Press, is manag- 
ing his department of this journal with abil- 
it}' and success, and assisting to bring it to the 
standard of a first-class i)aper of the Hawke^'e 
State. IMr. Rile}- is a native of Owego, Tioga Co., 
N. Y., and was born Sept. 11, 18.5.5. He is the son 
of George and Loranda (Chittenden) Riley, the 
former being a native of the State of New Y'ork, 
whose ancestors came from the North of Ireland. 
The mother was also a native of New York, and 
descended from an old New England family ; she 
departed this life in April, 1886. The father is 
still living in Owego, and pursuing his trade as a 
blacksmith. 

The subject of our sketch was re.ired in the 
county of his birth, and remained there until 1877. 
He received his primary education in the public 
schools, and later attended an academj^, whence, 
after pursuing a thorough course of study, he went 
into the office of the Owego Record, and served an 
apprenticeship of four years at the printer's trade. 
In 1876 he removed to Newark Vallej' and estab- 
lished the Tioga County Herald, which he conducted 
for six months, then sold out and returned to his 
native town. He worked at his trade in the latter 
place and Elmira until the opening of the year 
1877, when he went to New Y'ork City and engaged 
with the Union Printing Company, and also as re- 
porter upon a dail}^ paper, and was thus engaged 
until he took charge again of the Owego Record, 
on the 1st of Januarj^, 1879. He remained here 
this time until December of the following year, do- 
ing special reporting for several daily papers, in 
which he gave ample proof of the abilitj' which has 
since characterized him as a newspaper man. In 
December, 1880, Mr. Riley started West, and com- 



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[?; ing to Ottiiinvva purchased an interest in the Press, 
Jsl and has been connected with the paper since that 
time, being associated with his In'other-iu-law, Ed- 
win A. Jones. 

When ]\lr. Kiley first came West he liad not 
thought of locating in this city, but at several 
times went out to hunt a hjcation, invariably drift- 
ing back to Ottumwa. His purchase of the Ot- 
^ tumwa Press has proved a fortunate investment, 
i because he is admirably adapted to the position 
which he has assumed upon it. It is one of the 
i|S most readable journals in Wapello County, and 
|g bears fair comparison with the newspapers of the 
Hawkeye State. 

The subject of our sketch was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Ida A. Jones, in June, 1880, in 
i-^ Owego, and his wife accompanied him in his first 
journey to the West. They have become the par- 
ents of one child, a son — George. Mrs. R. is a 
finely educated and accomplished lady, and prom- 
inently connected with the Baptist Church of Ot- 
tumwa. Politically Mr. R. is a stanch Republican, 
and carries out in the management of the paper his 
i^ independent political ideas. Mr. .and Mrs. R. oc- 
■ill cupy a pleasant home, and number among their 
\.-$ friends and associates the most cultured people of 
^ this locality. 



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■^AMES H. HATCH, a farmer and stock- 
grower living on section 12, Center Town- 
ship, is a native Hawkeye, born in Appa- 
noose County, Sept. 10, 18.59, and is a son 
of George and Mary E. (Betterton) Hatch, the 
former a native of England and the latter of Penn- 
sylvania. The}' reside upon a farm in Center 
ag Township. Our subject passed his early life upon 
a farm and in attendance at the common schools of 
his native State. 

Mr. Hatch was united in marriage with Fannie 
M. Booz, daughter of J. G. and Mary A. W. 
(Townsend) Booz, the former of whom was born 
in Pennsylvania and the latter in New Jersey. She 
was born Nov. 16, 18G4, in Center Township. Two 
children have been born to them — Amy Beatrice, 
March 8, 1885, and a son, Chester, Dec. 13, 188G. 



Mr. Hatch is living on a farm of 142 acres, belong- 
ing to C. F. Blake, of Ottumwa. The farm is well 
improved and is numbered among the best in Cen- 
ter Township. Politically Mr. Hatch is a Repub- 
lican. His wife is a member of the Episcopal 
Church. 



■jl/ INSAY H. PAGE, deceased, came into Iowa 
I (^ in 18,52, was born in the State of Ken- 
/l*-^v, tucky, and died near Batavla, this county, 
in 1864. He was reared and educated in his native 
State, and after arriving at years of manhood went 
to Logan County, Ohio, and in due time was there 
married to Miss Axie Harris. Of this union there 
were born seven children, three only now living: 
James J., a Mormon Elder of Salt Lake City, Utah; 
Isaac H., of Nebraska, and Mary E., the wife of 
David R.ailsback, of Ottumwa. Mrs. Axie Page 
died in Ohio, and the subject of our sketch mar- 
ried for his second wife Miss Annie Smith, and they 
became the parents of three children : Lettie E., 
the wife of Edward Burnett, of Michigan; William 
H., living near Catawba, Ohio, and John T., of 
Albia, Dane Co., Wis. 

Mr. Page removed from Ohio to Indiana in 1 850, 
and two years later crossed the Father of Waters 
and came into Wapello County, Iowa, settling upon 
a farm in Richland County, where he engaged in 
agricultural pursuits. He was a man of excellent 
character, an active member of the Union Baptist 
Church, and highlj' respected in the community 
where he resided. After his decease Mrs. Page 
returned to her home in Logan County, Ohio, 
where she still resides. 




ii^ 



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■^ OHN MORROW HEDRICK, a late resident 
of Ottumwa, was born in Rush County, Ind., 
Dec. 16, 1831, and died of paralysis Oct. 3, 
1880, at his home in this city. His disease 
was no doubt induced by the severe wounds he re- 
ceived in the army during the Rebellion. His 
father was John W. Hedrick, a native of Kentucky, 
a farmer of much intelligence, and a sterling citi- 




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308 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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zen. His mother's maiden name was Mary Mor- 
row. She died many years ago, but the father still 
survives, at the advanced age of seventy-eight 
years. 

Our subject was reared upon a farm, and emi- 
gi-ated to AVapello County, Iowa, with his father's 
family in "184.T, and remained with his father upon 
the farm till the age of twenty, when he engaged 
as a clerk in a dry-goods store, and upon arriving 
at his majority became a partner in the firm. The 
General continued in the mercantile business nearly 
all the time till he entered the army as First Lieu- 
tenant of Co. D, 15th Iowa Vol. Inf., Sept. 20, 
1801. AVhile the regiment was in rendezvous at 
Keokuk, Iowa, he was promoted to the captaincy 
of Compan}- K. of the 1 .ith, and in the first day's 
battle at Shiloh his regiment was to the front in 
Gen. Ben. Prentiss' command, and there he was 
quite severely wounded and taken prisoner. He 
was six months in various prisons of the South, and 
finally paroUed Oct. 18, 1862, and came to his 
W^^ home in this city, where he remained until ex- 
i'^lil t'hanged, and then joined his regiment at Lafayette, 
Wmi \ Teun., Feb. 9, 1863. He was soon thereafter pro- 
moted INIajor of the regiment, and on the 22d of 
April following was commissioned Lieutenant Col- 
onel. In the spring of 1864, on account of Iowa 
allowing her soldiers at the front to vote, the Re- 
publican State Convention designated the General 
as a delegate to the National Convention, sitting 
U that year in Baltimore, which convention renomi- 
nated the lamented Lincoln for President, the Gen- 
eral being an earnest supporter of his nomination. 
On the 22d of July, 1864, in the fierce fighting 
of that da_y, before Atlanta, Ga., Gen. Hedrick re- 
ceived a fearful wound in the hip, the ball passing 
around near to the spine, and while being borne 
from the field he received another ball through 
his arm. His wounds proved nearly fatal, and 
when lie was able to be around he went on crutches 
for many months. Unable to take the field he was 
i" detailed for duty in tlie War Department at Wash- 
ington, and remained tiiere from ]\Iarch, 1865, to 
,,n September, 1S66. He was a member of a court 
martial there which tried many of the important 
cases noted in the history' of those days. Upon 
the fall of Atlanta the Colonel of the regiment, W. 





W. Belknap, was promoted Brigadier General, and 
Hedrick was promoted Colonel, his commission 
dating Aug. 20, 1864. He was soon after commis- 
sioned Brevet Brigadier General for conspicuous 
gallantry upon the field of battle. In 1866 he was 
appointed Postmaster of Ottumwa, and held that 
office until he resigned to take the position of 
Supervisor of Internal Revenue for Iowa, Nebraska, 
Minnesota, Colorado and Dakota, in 1870. He 
held this position until 1876, and until a revision 
of the corps of Internal Revenue officials, when 
Supervisors were superseded by revenue agents. 
While Supervisor he was detailed to take chai-ge of 
the great whisky fraud cases of Milwaukee and 
Chicago, which at that time attracted the attention 
of the whole countrj-. His marked ability, in- 
domitable energy, fearless fidelity to duty, and 
sterling integrity, brought him into wide and ex- 
tended notice throughout the Northwest, especially 
at that time, and he was highly complimented b3' 
the Secretary of the Treasury for his eminently 
satisfactory discharge of so important a service. 

In 1866 the Ottumwa (Iowa) Courier, a daily 
and weekly newspaper, passed into the hands of 
several stockholders, and the General was chosen 
as its editor, and so remained until August, 1869, 
when the ownership of the paper was vested in the 
General and A. H. Hamilton as joint owners. From 
that time forward the editorial charge was in the 
hands of both its owners until Jan. 1, 1878, when 
he sold his interest to the said Hamilton. He was 
a delegate at large from Iowa to the Chicago con- 
vention, in 1868, which first nominated Gen. 
Grant for President, and was one of the committee 
appointed by the convention to notify Gen. (irant 
of his nomination. 

On retiring from the Courier the General gave 
his attention chiefly to his own affairs, but was ever 
alive and to the forefront in all public enterprises 
for the advancement of the growth and prosperit3' 
of Ottumwa. Some eight years ago he built a 
street railroad in the city, which proved profit- 
able to him, as well as a great convenience to the 
public. He alwa3's gave liberally to all public en- 
terprises, his large gifts of this character amount- 
ing to thousands of dollars. He was especially the 
citizen of all others to represent Ottumwa abroad 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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in railroad projects, and he gave months of his 
time without compensation in this direction, for 
the public good, having no other interest save one 
ill common with other citizens. He was peculiarh- 
the citizen above all others who fiuall.v secured for 
Ottumwa that great railway thoroughfare — the C, 
M. & St. P. The life of the General since the close 
of the Rebellion was intlmatel}- and most promi- 
nently interwoven with the material advancement 
of city and county. Reared on a farm, he took 
great interest in agriculture, and was President of 
the county agricultural society, and paid liberally 
to promote its interests. No citizen was more uni- 
versally missed by the people of his county and 
city, and none more sincerely mourned at his 
death. 

The General was married, July 3, 1853, to Ma- 
tilda Caroline Haiues, a most estimable lady, who 
still survives. The living children of this marriage 
are Mrs. Kate M. Ladd, Howard L., Charles M., 
Harry McP. and Carita B. 



ylLLIAM COLE, at present a retired farmer 
and a resident of Kirkville, Iowa, was born 
in Marietta, Washington Co., Ohit), Sept. 
28, 1810, and is a son of Abijah and Susan (Kath- 
cart) Cole. His father was a native of Connecti- 
cut, a tanner and shoemaker by trade, and died in 
Wyandotte County, Ohio, in 1850. His mother 
died in April, 1823, in Washington Count}', Ohio. 
Before reaching his majority, William Cole 
learned the trade of a stonemason, which occupa- 
tion he followed for fifteen years in his native State. 
Ill 1833 he was married to Miss Elizabeth B. Pat- 
ton, born in Washington County, Ohio, Jan. 9, 
1813, and the daughter of Thomas Patton. Of 
this union there were born ten children, who are 
recorded as follows: Ann A. is the wife of H. C. 
Kirkpatrick, and lives at Winchester, Kan. ; Irene 
D., the wife of D. H. C'line, lives in Oskaloosa, 
Kan. : William W. married Miss Julia Daney and 
lives in Kansas; T. E. married Miss M. J. Picker, 
and lives in Richland Township; .John L. was 
next in order of birth; Marj- E., the wife of M. E. 
HoUowaj', lives in Mahaska County; Susan M. is 




deceased ; three others died in infancy. Mrs. 
Elizabeth Cole departed this life Sept. 19, 1881, 
and was buried in the Kirkville Cemetery. 

Mr. Cole is the owner of fifty-six acres of land 
in Richland Township, together with three dwell- 
inar-houses in Kirkville. He has held the office of 
Justice of the Peace for six years, and politically 
is a Greenbacker. 




^ELS ABRAHAM, a prosperous Swedish 
farmer of Green Township, was born March 
1836, and emigrated to America from 
his native land when a young man twenty-two 
years of age. His parents were Charles and Han- 
nah (Peterson) Abraham, who spent their entire 
lives in their native country, engaged in agricultu- 
ral pursuits. After reaching American shores Mr. 
Abraham ]iroceeded to Illinois, and located in 
Rock Island County, and at Moline was engaged 
for about seven months in the plow factory of John 
Deere. He then removed to Henry Count}', where 
he was engaged as a coal miner for a year, and 
thence came to Ottumwa in 1870, being employed 
the following five years on the C, B. & <^. II. R. 
All this time he had in view the pursuit of agri- 
culture like his father before him, and had saved 
what he could of his moderate wages, and now 
found himself the possessor of sufficient means to 
purchase a small farm. He found a tract of eighty 
acres in Green Township, with which he was well 
pleased, but upon which no improvements had 
been made. Like any other man naturally inter- 
ested in his own possessions, he turned his whole 
attention to the improvement of his little farm, in 
which he was eminently successful. 

In the meantime Mr. Abraham liad assumed fam- 
ily and domestic ties, having been married, in Jan- 
uary, 1871, to Miss Anna Knoto, a native of his 
own country, and the daughter of Peter and Benta 
(Anderson) Knoto. Of this union there were born 
three children: Charles Alfred, Sept. 23, 1871; 
Selma, Dec. 9, 1873, and Emma Mary, March 6, 
1875. Up to 1886 the little family lived content- 
edly in a log cabin patiently waiting for better 
things in the future. In the fall of that year Mr. 






XI 




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312 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



Abraham erected a cf)nifortable and shapely' frame 
house, -iSxH feet, with an 1> 12x14 feet, in which 
they are now estahlishcfl. -.md living in a style cor- 
responding with tiieir means. 

The posse.s.sion.s of Mr. Abraham have been ac- 
quired solely by the exercise of his own energy 
and industry. In his own country he followed the 
trade of a miller to n certain extent, but is now- 
giving his wlnile attention to the cultivation of 
his land, and the raising of good grades of cattle 
and other st(jck. Mi\ and Mi's. Abraham are mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church, and politically^ our 
subject uuif(jrmly casts his vote with the Repub- 
lican party. 




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\~jllA PHILLIPS, a prominent business man and 
highly respected citizen of Ottnmwa, is closely 
identified with the business and industrial in- 
terests of this section, and is President of the Phil- 
lips Coal and Mining Company', whose operations 
extend over a large portion of this locality, and 
give employment to numbers of worlving-men. Mr. 
Phillips is a native of Madison Countj', Ohio, and 
was born on the •28th of May, 1830. When he was 
a lad of twelve years old his pai-ents remt)ved from 
his native State to Van Buren County, Iowa, wliile 
the latter was a Territor}'. He here grew to man- 
hood, and received his early education in the pio- 
neer schools, which were conducted in the humble 
log cabin. He was c;uefully trained to liabits of 
industry and economy by his excellent parents, and 
in early years imhibed those principles of honor 
and integrity which have made his life successful 
and secured for hiui the- respect and esteem of his 
associates. 

Mr. Phillips was married in \an Buren Count}' 
in 1854, to Miss Emilj', the daughter of Sylvester 
Hcni-y, who came to Van Buren Count}' in 1838, 
Mrs. Phillips at that time being a child of three 
years old. They located upon a tract of wild land, 
improved a farm, and established a comfortable 
home upon the site of what had formerly been a 
wilderness. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. P. 
there were born two children: Ora, who died in 



Van Buren County in 1874, and Henry, now of the 
firm of Ira Phillips it Co., of Ottumwa. 

The suiiject of our sketch became a resident of 
this city in 187;i, and since that time has been ex- 
tensivel}^ engaged in the coal l)usiness. During his 
long residence in this locality his name has become 
familiar as that of a man honest and njjright in his 
transactions and (jf the highest moral principles. 
In politics he is a stanch Republican, and keeps 
well posted upon the affairs of the county and 
State at large. He is an extensive reader and a 
man of decided views. Of strong temperance 
principles, he took a firm stand against the sale and 
manufacture of whisky in this State, and arrainged 
himself promptly upon the side of the Prohibition- 
ists. 

The property' of the Phillips Coal and Mining 
Company consists of valuable engines and hoisting- 
machinery and all the appliances required for suc- 
cessful mining. The works are in a prosperous 
condition and form a valuable factor in the indus- 
trial interests of this section. 




J. IIARMAN, a prosperous farmer and 
stock-grower on section 5, Pleasant Town- 
ship, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, 
May 1.5, 1828, and is a son of George and 
Juda (Whitmore) Ilarmau. both of whom are na- 
tives of Pennsylvania, but who moved to Ohio at 
an early day. On the 30th day of September, 1842, 
the family arrived in Jefferson County, Iowa, and 
there wintered, and in May of the following year 
moved to Wapello County, the elder Ilarman tak- 
ing up a claim adjoining the farm on which his son 
now lives. He died on his original homestead, Nov. 
4, 18G4, at the age of sixt}' -seven j'ears. He was a 
man well known to all the early settlers of Wapello 
County, and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all 
who knew him. His wife survived him over six 
years, dying Jan. 15, 1871. 

B. J. Harman came to Iowa in company with his 
parents and remained with them until twenty-two 
years of age. (_)n the 21st day of November, 1«51, 
he was united in marriage with Catherine A. Dick- 
ens, born in Ohio, Jan. ID, 1831, the daughter of 



S'^t 



Martin and Elizabeth (Stalej^) Dickens. Her 
'^-' mother is dead, bnt her father 3H?t .survives, and is 
living in Competine Township. One child hle.st 
this union, James A., born June 30, 1852, now liv- 
ing in Appanoose Countj', this State. Mrs. Ilar- 
man died Nov. 21, 1854, and in 1858 Mr. Harman 
married Sarepta C'obler, a native of Indiana, who 
was born April 29, 1 .S41, and the daughter of Lewis 
and Nancy Cobler. Her mother is deceased, but 
her father is living in Dahlonega Townshii). Of 
this union there were three children : Harvey, born 
April 26, 1860; Nancy C, Nov. 11, 1861; Clara B. 
Aug. 24, 1866. 

Mr. Harman is the owner of 195 acres of fine 
farm land, all of which is under a high state of cul- 
tivation, there being on the place a good frame 
dwelling, barn, and every convenience that tends 
to make it a fine stock and grain farm. Mr. and 
Mrs. Harman are members of the German Baptist 
Church, of which he has been a minister for a period 
of twenty years. Politically Mr. H. is a Democrat, 
and has served his township as Assessor. 



AMUEL BUSH, a highly respected i-esident 
of Chillicothe, Iowa, is a native of Ross 
County, Ohio, and was born in 1810, being 
^^ the son of Jlichael and Susanna (Bowers) 

■ Bush, both natives of Virginia. They removed 
: from their native State to Ohio soon after their 
mari-iage and were among the pioneer settlers of 
tiiat region. There, their son Samuel was reared 
}B :ind educated, remaining under the parental roof 
[ ; I until he had attained to years of manhood. He re- 
; moved to Iowa in 1839, while it was yet a Teni- 
m tory, settling near Stuniptown, Van Buren County, 
^j and remained there until 1843, when he settled 
J upon a tract of land about one-half mile from the 
: present site of Chillicothe, upon which he has lived 
since that time, the primitive condition of it hav- 
t ing given way to town lots and residences. In 
1866 he established the hotel business in which he 
^ has since been continuously engaged, and in an ex- 
perience of nearly thirty years has acquired a con- 
{i| siderable degree of perfection in the otlice of "mine 
HjT host," his house being the resort of the best class of 
;j2 travelers through tliis section. 







Samuel Bush was married, at the age of twenty- 
three years, in his native State, to Miss Christina 
Campbell, also a native of Ohio, and who became 
the mother of two children : p]lizabeth, the wife of 
John Cottrell, and Susanna, now deceased. This 
lady did not long remain his companion, departing 
this life in 1837. Mr. Bush was a second time 
married, in 1839, to Miss H. M. Michael, of Vir- 
ginia. Of this marriage there were born nine chil- 
dren, only three of whom are now living, viz. : 
Francis M., a merchant of Chillicothe; Charles, a 
conductor on the C, B. & Q. R. R., a resident at 
Creston, and Louisa, at home with her parents. The 
eldest son served as a soldier in the late war. Mr. 
Bush had one son, Zacharia Taylor, who went to 
California and has not been heard from for many 
years. It is not known by the family whether he 
is living or dead. 




«-5»;^'-J»i^. 



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\|) A. WAGNER, editor and publisher of the ihiM 



Journal and Freie Presse of Ottum wa, Iowa, nT In 



is conducting one of the best papers in Wa 
pello Count}' in a creditable and intelligent 
manner, and has built up a subscription list which 
is increasing steadily as time passes. Mr. Wagner 
is a native of this countj', and was burn in Agency 
City, Sept. 7, 1861. His parents were John and 
Elizabeth (Lader) Wagner, natives of Germany, j||- 
where they were reared and married. They emi- 
grated to the United States in 1856, and proceed- 
ing directly westward crossed the Father of Wa- 
ters and located in the village where their son. our 
subject, was born. John Wagner was a woolen 
manufacturer, and pursued his trade after coming 
to Iowa, in Agency City and Ottumwa. He then 
opened a grocery store on Birch street, and has 
been conducting this business since that time, be- 
ing now located at the corner of Main and Birch 
streets. The mother is also living, and they are 
among the most highly respected residents of this 
vicinity. 

The subject of our sketch was reared in Ot- 
tumwa, received a fair education in his native lan- 
guage, and at the age of thirteen years entered the 
office of the Juurnai to learn the printer's trade. 




JtirncriiJtTlfi 



Kiixxjutjrjl 



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314 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



m 




In 1877 be went to Sigonrney, where he remained 
nearly two years, and then, setting his face west- 
ward, located at Columbus, Neb., where he was en- 
gaged in the office of a German publication for a 
period of seven months. He then returned to Ot- 
tumwa, and engaged with McClellan Bros., job 
printers, until October, 1881, when he purchased 
.an interest in the Journal and Freie Presse. 

Mr. Wagner is a prominent man among the ex- 
cellent class of German citizens in this locality, and 
one of the officers of the Turnverein. He is also a 
member of the Printer's Union, and a gentleman 
whose opinions are greatly respected, and his judg- 
ment often ai:)pealed to in the consideration of mat- 
ters of importance. The parental family of our 
subject consisted of six children, of whom he was 
the third in order of birth. All these are living 
but one, and are named: Mary A., John A., Lizzie, 
Carrie and Katie. 

/ E. LANG FORD, of Ottumwa, is a manufact- 
urer of artificial building stone, for check- 
ered sidewalks, cellar floors, door-steps, 
window-silis, hitching-blocks, carriage-steps, 
fountains, vases, tombstone bases, sewer and drain 
pipe, well-tubing, roofing, pitch, window arches, 
etc., and dealer in home and foreign cement, plas- 
ter Paris, lime, hair, sand, fireclay, clay pipe, fer- 
tilizer, etc. The factory is located at the corner of 
('Lay and Lincoln streets, and besides this Mr. Lang- 
ford is the owner of forty-nine acres of land in and 
adjoining the city linuts of Ottumwa, near the fair 
ground, on which he has a flue brick residence, with 
well-kept lawn, a good barn with stone b.asement, 
and v.arious out-liuildings. Kverything about the 
place is neat .and t.asteful, and denotes the thrift 
and industry of its proprietor. 

J. E. Langford wa.s born in Tioga Count}', N. Y., 
Feb. 10, 182(;, and is a son of J. E. .and S.arah 
(Swartwood) Langford, who both died in Tioga 
County, his motiier in 1831, and liis father in 1862. 
On the death of his mother, the subject of this 
sketch went to live with a cousin Swartwood, 
where he remained until he was eighteen years of 



age. during which time he was employed at all kinds 
of general work and attended the country schools 
of the neighborhood. He then went to work with 
two of his half-brothers, James and Daniel Pierce, 
and remained with them until 1849, when he en- 
gaged with Captain Smith of a whaling-ship and 
went to sea, being out two j'ears. They crossed 
the Equator four times in 72 north latitude and 
51 soutli latitude. They captured thirt3'-two whales 
while out, the longest measuring seventv-four and 
one-half feet from tip to tip. They brought home 
3.6.50 barrels of oil and 4.i,000 pounds of black 
whalebones. Their return was in 18.51. and for the 
next two }'e.ars Mr. Langford followed farming and 
clerking in a store. In 1853 he commenced rail- 
roading with James Thompson on the second track 
of the New York & Erie llailroad. He next was 
employed on the L.ackawanna ib Pittsburgh Rail- 
road, near Scranton, Pa. ; from there he came west 
and worked on the old Mississippi & Racine li;iil- 
road, and while engaged on this road built a levee 
opposite St. Louis, Mo. He next was employed on 
the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis Railroad, at Joliet, 
111., and from there, in 1862, he went to Lake Super- 
ior and assisted in building a railroad from Escan- 
aba to the Lake and to the iron mines. He then 
came to Iowa and filled a contract on what was 
then known as the Burlington & Missouri River, 
now the Chicago, Burlington & Quincj' Railroad. 
In 1870 he worked on the Burlington <fe South- 
western Railroad. In 1871 he came to Ottumwa 
and assisted iu building the water-works for the 
city, which contract was finished in 1876. 

Since his first contract work in 1853, Mr. Lang- 
ford h.as been engaged continuously on public 
works of some kind. Few men could get more 
work out of a set of men than Mr. Langford, yet 
he was .always liked and respected by those whom 
he h.ad in his emploj', endeavoring to treat them as 
he would wish to be treated. He was united in 
marriage, Aug. 14, 1866, in Wapello County, 
Iowa, with ;Miss E. A. Graves, daughter of A. L. 
and .lulia (Moflfett) Graves. Her father was a na- 
tive of Indiana and mother of Pennsylvania. Both 
are living in the city of Ottumwa. Mr. and Mrs. 
Langford are the parents of five children: J. E., 
born Nov. 19, 1867; Estella, Feb. 4, 1871; Earl, 



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_ LliiiTrriTrUrrxTrTTTr 

tHSHESa 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



1! : 



March 12, 1875; Leola, April 29, 1879; Nettie, 
June 23, 1881. Mr. Langford is a member of tlie 
1. O. O. F. A handsome lithugTaph view of the 
family residence is shown on another page. 

"\¥)AMEfS T. LAYNE, one of the earl}^ settlers 
of Iowa, is pleasantl_y located in Adams 
Township, on section l.j, where he is enjo.y- 
ing his later days in that comfort and quiet 
which are the jjist rewards of indnstry, economy 
and enterprise. Air. Layne was born in Jlontgom- 
ery County, Ind., Oct. 31, 1835, and is the son of 
Jarlton and Sarah (Easley) Layne, both natives of 
Kentucky, who emigrated to Iowa while it was still 
a Territory, locating first in Montgomery Countj. 
Their marriage occurred in Indiana, and they be- 
came the parents of seven children, one of whom is 
deceased : James T., of our sketch, was the eldest 
born ; Franklin M. lives in Turner County, Dak. ; 
A\'alter H. is the Sheriff of Cherokee Countj', Kan. ; 
Joseph S., Hayman D. and Nancy A. (Mrs. Will- 
iam Gaily) live in this county. 

In 1849 the father of our subject removed with 
his family from Montgomery to Wapello County, 
and with the assistance of his sons opened up a 
farm in Polk Township, where he passed the re- 
mainder of his daj's. Mrs. Sarah Layne departed 
this life in 1842, greatly mourned b3' her husband 
and surviving children. Mr. L. is still living, at the 
advanced age of seventy-five years. He is Demo- 
cratic in politics, and in his younger years held the 
various local ottices of his township. With his wife 
he was connected with the Baptist Church. . His sec- 
ond wife was Miss Sarah Edgman, and they became 
the parents of four children, three of whom are liv- 
ing. After the death of this lady he was married 
to Mrs. Delilah McDole, who is still living. 

James T. Laj'ne, of this biograph}', received his 
education in the log school-house of his native 
county, and remained under the parental roof 
initil he attained to years of manhood. He was 
then married, in November, 185G, to Miss Sarah 
Doggett, anativeof his own State, and they became 
the parents of two children: George W., now^ liv- 
ing in Kansas, and Franklin M., of this county. 






Mrs. Sarah Layne departed this life in 1861, having 
lived a worthy and useful life, and greatly es- 
teemed by her family and friends; she was a mem- 
ber in good standing of the Baptist Church. Mr. !( 
Layne was married the second time, March 9. C 
1862, to Miss Minerva Drummond, a native of ' 
Clarke Count}', Va., and of this union there were '} 
born the following children : Elizabeth, Mrs. An- 
derson, lives in Monroe County, Iowa; Fannie be- 
came the wife of Asa Ilejiler, of Adair County, 
Iowa; Irvine, Liva, Joseph, Maude and Lloyd are 
at home. 

Mr. Layne came to Wapello County in 1849, 
when the country was thinly settled and wild game 
abounded in plenty. In 1876 he purchased his 
present farm of 293 acres, which he has indus- 
triously cultivated and improved, and now has one 
of the most attractive homes in this section of the 
county. The farm residence is a model of conve- 
nience and comfort, and the barns and out-build- 
ings are of iirst-elass description. The possessions 
of our subject are the result of his own industry 
and enterprise, as he came here comparatively poor ^ 
and has received no assistance from legacies or in- U 
fluential friends. He has held the various local 
offices of his township and takes an interest in local 
and general matters, keeping himself well posted [(p 
in regard to what is going on around him in the 
world. 



j^ILLSON KENNEDY, a well-to-do and pros- 
i-ous farmer residing on section 14, 
reen Township, where he is meeting with 
success in the prosecution of his calling, was born 
in Rockbridge County, Va,, Jan. 7, 1820. The pa- 
rents of our subject. AVilliam and Rhoda (Wilson) 
Kennedy, were also natives of the same State. 
Willson Kennedy- was brought up to the calling of 
a farmer's son in his native county and thei-e lived, 
assisting in the maintenance of the parental family, 
until 1846. 

During the year last named our subject came to 
this State, and five years later, in 1851, came to 
Wapello County, where he made claim to a tract 
of Government land in Green Township. Locating 
on this land he .at once entered upon its improve- 



tUEUiKxiia 



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CTt5Ji: 






316 



AYAPELLO COUNTY. 



ment and cultivation, and by energy and economy 
has not onl^' brought his laud to a high state of 
cultivation, but has been enabled to place improve- 
uients upon it. Three years ago his pleasant little 
home was swept away b^' the fier^' element, but he 
contemplates the erection of a new house soon, into 
which he will move his familj- and pass the remain- 
ing years of his life on the old homestead. In pol- 
itics he is Republican, and has held the ottices of 
School Director and Road Overseer. 

In 1850 our subject was united in marriage with 
Miss Elsy Wortman, a daughter of Jolni and Re- 
becca (Cain) Wortman, both natives of New Jer- 
sey. .Seven children have been bora of this union: 
Mary R., deceased : Wilmot, deceased ; Charles II., 
a resident of Green Township, and a farmer by 
calling; Wayne, a farmer of Keokuk Township; 
Pluma v., deceased; Amanda E., wife of John Em- 
ery, a well-to-do farmer of Keokuk Township, and 
James A., who is living with the old folk, and as- 
sists the father in the cultivation of the farm. Our 
subject and wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and are honored citizens of the 
community in which the^- reside. 



-iiSSjS^" 





ANIEL EASLEY, deceased, one of the 
early pioneers of Wapello County, was a 
native of Stokes County, N. C, and was 
born April 20, 1792. After arriving at 
years of manhood he was married to Miss Nancy 
Deatheridge, Nov. 17, hSlo. Mrs. E. was born 
Sept. 1, 1795, in North Carolina, whence she re- 
moved with her parents to Kentuck}- in about 1.S12. 
In 1824 Mr. and Mrs. Easley went to Montgomery 
Ci>unt_y, Ind., where thej- lived until 1850, and 
then crossed the Eather of AVaters into Wapello 
County, Iowa, where the}' established a permanent 
home and passed the remainder of tlieir daj's. They 
became the parents of eleven children, five now 
living, of whom the record is as follows : Daniel is 
a resident of Wayne County, Iowa; Catharine be- 
came the wife of James LaFollett, of Montgomery 
Count3% Iowa; Frances is the widow of Jacob W. 
Laj-ne, and a resident of this count}'; Isaac lives in 
Missouri; Angeline married ,Iohn H. LaFollett, of 




this county. The father of this family died Sept. a' 
18, 187C, the mother having preceded him to the q| 
better land Nov. !t. 1871. They were people aj 
great!}- respected in this vicinity for their high a! 
moral jirinciples and consistent Christian lives, and 3: 
were prominent members i>f the IJajitist Church. 

In early life Mr. Easley was an old-line Whig. 31 
but after the abandonment of that party by tlu> 
organization of the Republicans he cordially en- 
dorsed the principles of the latter, and subsequently 
identified himself ivith them. He was prominently 
identified with the affairs of his tojivuship, held the 
various local ottices, and was the encourager and 
supporter of every measure calculated to advance 
its prosperitj-. 



^- 



■^^B— 




I 



ON. EUGENE FAWCETT, deceased, a 
former highly respected resident and busi- 
ness man of Wapello Count}', was born in 
^} Belmont County, Ohio, March 22, 1845, 
and received his early education in the public 
schools of the Buckeye State. He remained with 
his parents until he attained to years of manhood, 
and then, during the progress of the late Civil §11 
A\'ar, enlisted in the army as a telegraph operator, feh 
and remained until the close of the war. He then Kft 
went to Panama as correspondent of the New York ^ 
JYibune, and subsequently officiated in the same 
capacity for the New York Herald and San Fran- 
cisco Chronicle, and was appointed .Superintendent Ki 
of the Aspinwall Telegraph Company. After being 
thus occupied for several years he returned to the 
United States on account of failing health, and set- 
tled temporarily in Chariton, Iowa, where, for a 
short time, he conducted the editorial department 
of the Chariton Patriot. 

In 1869, having previously taken a thorough E 



course in the study of law, Mr. Fawcett came to 



3e 



Ottumwa and formed a partnership with William 1^' 
McNett, Esq., and subsequently, in .September, 3=A 
1872, went to Santa Barbara, Cal., where he soon a'ii 
built up an extensive and lucrative i)racticc. He !-• 
also became prominent in the public affairs of that J^i 
section, and after filling other prominent positions 3 h 
was elected Judge of the District Court of Souti 



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EaH^sa' 



SHSSaa 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



317 




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ern California. While holding this position he 
was a member uf the Con.stitiitional Convention of 
California, and tliere was a motion made to debar 
him of his seat, the opposition claiming' he was not 
eligible on account of holding the office of Judge. 
A heated discussion grew out of this, but Judge 
Fawcett was sustained in his position. 

Judge Fawcett departed this life Jan. 1), 18S0, 
after establishing a record a« one of the most able 
i-S jurists who have adorned the bar of Wapello 
County, as well as that of the Pacific slope. He 
was a close student, a deep thinker, and keenly ob- 
servant of what was going on around hini. His 
commanding presence and fine physique, added to 
his eloquence as an advocate, deepened the im- 
pression which he invariably made as to his marked 
abilities, force of character, and more than tirdinary 
genius. 



=s=S^=^ -' 




W. BELL. The subject of this liiugraphy, 
cue of the honored pioneers of Iowa, came 
to the State with his parents in 1846, and 
has been a resident of AVapello County 
since that time. He now owns and occupies a val- 
ual)le homestead in Cass Township on section 0, 
where, for many 3'ears, he has been successfully en- 
gaged as a farmer and stock-raiser. 

Mr. Bell was born in Marion County, lud., on 
the iSth of November, 1831, and is the son of 
Nathaniel and Celia (Wright) Bell. Nathaniel Bell 
is a native of Ohio, and the mother of our subject 

tJ-Ij was born in Randolph County, N. C. Thev became 
i:l .u .. ,. -,.•., „,.:,.,.„.: -:.. ,i_..„.,:. ■ 



S the parents of nine children, six daughters and 



Lucia 



HI; three sons, five of whom are still living: 
■n-; became the wife of Thomas (iritlith, who is now a 
i|;5 retired farmer and living in Richland; Adam, our 
subject is the fourth in order of birth ; B. F. is a 
farmer and stock-dealer of Center Township; T. J. 
is engaged in mining in Nevada, he has been a 
prominent citizen of that State for a number of 
years, and in the fall of 188U was candidate for 
Governor; Helen graduated from the Medical De- 
partment of Ann Arbor University in 1882; after 
receiving her diploma she spent one 3ear in the 
Female Hospital of Boston, Mass., and has now 
opened an office in Denver, Col., where slie is suc- 



cessfully engaged in the practice of her profession. 

Jn 1846 the parents of our subject removed from 
Indiana to AVapello Count3^, Iowa, and the father 
entered 320 acres of land on sections 4 and in 
Center Township. It w-as but slightly ini[)roved 
and he at once l)egan its cultivation. He was suc- 
cessful in his operations, and at the time of his death 
had one of the most valuable farm estates in this 
section of the country. He departed this life on the 
7th of January, 187'j, leaving a good record as an 
honored citizen and a valuable member of the com- 
munity. The wife and mother had preceded him 
to the better land <m the 24th of December, 187,5. 
They were both devoted members of the Christian 
Church, with which thej' became connected early in 
life, and their loss to the church and to the com- 
niuuit\- was one not easily repaired. 

The subject of this history spent the early part 
of his life on the farm with his parents, and after 
he had attained his majority was united in marriage 
with Miss Nancy' E. Goodwin, their wedding taking 
place on the 22d of February, 1853. Mrs. Bell 
was born in Putnam Count}', Ind., Jul}' 22, 183.5, 
and was the daughter of Rolla and Hannah (Gard- 
ner) Goodwin, natives respectivelj' of North Car- 
olina and Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Bell became 
the parents of two children : Minerva C. was born 
Dec. 11, 18.33, and became the wife of John Jordan, 
a prosperous farmer of Cass Township; Alfred died 
in infancy. 

After his marriage Mr. Bell, with his wife, located 
in Appanoose County, where he entered 160 acres 
of unimproved land. They onl}' occupied this, 
however, about eigliteen months, and then, re- 
turning to Wapello County, located ujjon the 
farm which they now occupy. This consisted 
of 170 acres partly improved, and our subject 
moved upon it in 18,")7, and industriously set him- 
self about its cultivation. He had formed man}' 
plans for the future, and was looking forward with 
hope and encouragement when the family was visited 
bj" a sad calamity in the death of the wife and 
mother, which took place July 22, 18.58. Mrs. 
Nancy Bell was a lady greatly beloved by her 
friends and acquaintances, and a sincere believer in 
the Christian religion. She was kind and affection- 
ate in her family relations and always read}- to 







tfixuKEtnza 



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sj'mpathize with the afflicted and distressed. Her 
name is held in kindly remembrance \>y those who 
knew her best and appreciated to the fullest extent 
her excellent qualities of mind and heart. 

On the -id of January, 1860, Mr. Bell was the 
second time married, to Miss Mary I. McGlothlen. 
This lady ivas burn in Fountain County, Ind., 
March 2, 1839, and is the daughter of Thomas D. 
and Sarah (Meek) McCllothlen, both natives of In- 
diana, and a sketch of whom will be found else- 
where in this volume. This union was blest bj"^ 
the birth of six children, of whom the record is 
as follows : Jefferson, the eldest, who was born Dec. 
22, 1862, died Aug. 22, 1863; Addie M. was born 
Dec. 4, 1863, and became the wife of Harvey Shay- 
han,a resident of Ottumwa: Lucia J., born Dec. 28, 
186.5, married Mr. D. P. Fagerstrom, station agent 
at Stanton, Iowa; T. B. was born March 12, 1868, 
and Nellie V., Feb. 28, 1871 ; W. T., born Jan. 12, 
1873. died April 25, 1879. 

In 1862 Mr. Bell took a trip to Nevada, and 
while there occupied himself in chopping and haul- 
ing wood, at a net proiit of §100 per mouth. After 
fourteen months thus employed he returned to Wa- 
pello County and resumed his farming operations. 
lie also operated a threshing-machine and sawmill 
for a number of years, and then engaged with his 
brother, B. F. Bell, in buying and shipping stock 
east to Chicago and west to Ne\ada and Salt Lalve 
City, which he followed for about seven years, and 
from which he received a handsome income. In 
tlie meantime he also added to his landed posses- 
sions, and is now the jiroprietor of 300 acres, all 
improved and under a good state of cultivation. 
He has a fine set of farm buildings, and the liome- 
stead, with all its appointments, forms one of the 
most attractive features in the landsca|)e of the 
county. In connection witli his farming operations 
our subject has been running a custom sawmill on 
Bear Creek in Folk Townshii), which has proved, 
like most of his undertakings, a fortunate invest- 
ment. 

The possessions of Mr. Bell arc the result solely 
of his own enterprise and industry. He has ))een 
prominent in the affairs of his community and has 
held the various offices of trust within the gift of 
his townsmen. He has been upright, generous and i 



: 1 

1 



manl}' in all his dealings, taking a lively interest in ; h 
every measure pertaining to the intellectual, moral ; ; } 
and religious advancement of his township. IIi~ ; 
children have received careful home training and ; 
the advantages of a good education, and are thus 
fitted to take up his mantle in the 3-ears when he 3,K 
shall have been gathered to his fathers. Mr. and 5': i 
Mrs. Bell are members in good standing of the :.U 
Christian Church of Cass Township, and are looked 3'i 
up to by all as worthy and valued factors in the : K 
moral and industrial elements of this section. ; ;; 



:-;ti 



:.v 



Morton were Si 



3:: I 
B!;i 

y? K. MOORE, deceased, formerly an es- :■ 1 
tceined resident of Highland Township. " "' 
*J?^ was born in New York State in isi-l, and 
removed westward in 1837, locating first upon a 
farm near Lansing, Mich., which he improved from 
a tract of wild and uncultivated land. Thence he 
removed to Iowa in 1867, and became the proprie- 
tor of a farm of 160 acres in Wapello County, upon 
which he spent the remainder of his da3'S, de()arl- 
ing this life May 17» 1873. Both he and his wife 3|;jJ 
were members in good standing of the Baptist r'^J 
Church. 

AV. H. Moore and Miss Lucy M 
married May 19, 1845. Mrs. M. was the daughter 
of Bishoj} and Elnora Morton, natives respectively 
of New York and Massachusetts, and of this mar- ;|J 
riage there were born the following children, only ;itj 
one of whom is a resident of this county : Ella J. 
married A. Fuller, a coal inspector for the C, B. & 
Q. R. R. Co., and they live in Chicago; Jennie C. : ![ 
married William Buslmell, also of the Garden City, z'^ 
and Filmer. 

Elmer E. Jloore, son of our subject, was born in 
Clinton Countj', Mich., in 1849, and came to Wa- 
pello Count}' with his father. In early manhood 3:} 
he was married to Miss Laura Spencer, their wed 
ding taking place in May, 1872, and they became ; f 
the parents of one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. - '" 
Laura Moore survived her marriage only one year, ; Ij" 
and died at the age of twenty-three. In 1876 .Mr. 
Moore was united in marriage with JMiss Ada 
Reynolds, of Michigan, and the daughter of Rich- 
ard and Betsey Reynolds. Mr. and Mrs. Moore 



3. I 



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ZXIXtXJIX U XXXI XXTT' « -' 

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^^-tHi<i^ 



have three children — Clj'de, Bessie and Charlie. 
[H : They are pleasantly located upon a farm of 160 
<}\'i acres, all improved, and beside the ordinar}' duties 
C4:5 of agriculture Mr. M. is giving considerable atten- 
i^t tion to the raising of a good breed of cattle. He 
^ : is highly esteemed among Ids fellow-townsmen, has 
J : been prominent in matters relating to the general 
]:S interest, and was Constable in 188G. In politics he 
];£ is a stanch Republican, and uniformly casts his 
^|: vote in support of the principles of his party. 



NDREW D. WOOD, M. D. The late Dr. 
A. D. Wood, of Ottumvva, was born in 
Scipio, N. Y., in 1809, and departed this 
life in the cit}' of his adoption in 18G2. 
He was one of the earl3- pioneers of Wapello Count}^, 
TJ:t and one of the first representatives of his profession 
^;; to locate here. During a long residence here, his 
J S professional skill and excellent personal character 
JljB secured for him a large circle of friends, whose con- 
filfi fidence and esteem he enjoj'ed to a marked degree. 
}!iC Dr. Wood was reared to manhood in his native 




Si 



hi,C town and entered upon the study of medicine at 
Auburn, N. Y., under the instruction of Dr. Mor- 
gan, a prominent plijsician of that citj' who, for 
many years, had charge of the medical department 
of the State Penitentiary. After the completion of 
his first course Dr. Wood entered Fairfield Medical 
College near Utica, N. Y., and graduated in the 
class of 1 830. He had been a close student, was 



\^ 

I 

it: 
i]' 

"■- 

m;E thoroughly' interested in the intricacies of his pro- 

\:i fession, and ambitious to excel. He was conse- 

{": quently eminentlj^ fitted to enter upon his peculiar 

I;': duties and responsibilities. 

'' J The year following his graduation Dr. Wood was 

fl J united in marriage with Miss Eliza Ann, the daugh- 

I I terof.Iabez Pease, who served in the War of 1812, 

Jig and after returning to New York was numbered 

V ; among the most useful and prominent citizens of 

|-; Seneca County. His father served as a soldier of 

hi; the Revolution and was a favorite aide on the staif 

1^1 of Gen. Washington. 

V> Mrs. Wood was born in Seneca County, N. Y., in 

\] 1812, and inherited from her parents their noble 

Jj ; and stinking traits of character. She was eminentl}' 

Ms fitted to be the companion of her husband, and they 






uiukL 



set out in life with high hopes for the future, mak- 
ing their first home at Port Byron, where the young 
physician commenced the practice of his profession. 
They remained in Port Byron for nearly three 
years, whence, in 1850, they removed to Iowa and 
located in Ottumwa. Here Dr. Wood was at once 
recognized as possessing more than ordinary ability 
as a man and as a physician. He was straight- 
forward in his l)usiness methods, careful and faith- 
ful in his practice, and took a lively interest in 
everything pertaining to the welfare of the city 
and community at large. In politics he was Demo- 
cratic, and voted conscientiously to support the 
principles of his party. Of the demise of this la- 
mented citizen and phj'sician, the Ottumwa Cour- 
ier at the time wrote as follows : 

"We are pained to announce the death of Dr. A. 
D. Wood. He died in this citj' on the morning of 
Oct. 12, 1862, of consumption, in the fifty-fourth 
year of his age. He leaves a widow and seven chil- 
dren to mourn their loss. 

. "While the death of Dr. Wood was not alto- 
gether unexpected, yet it fell heavily on family and 
friends. He had been declining for some j'ears, 
and some weeks ago very rapidly sank under the 
disease, but more recently had, apparently, suffi- 
ciently recovered to give hope that he might be 
spared during the winter, and probably longer, but 
his disease, insidious in its ravages, took him off on 
Saljbatb morning last. So far as his future was 
concerned, death had no terrors to Dr. W., 3'et he 
seemed at times to dread that suffocation, which he 
feared might accompany dissolution. 

"The subject of this notice came to this place in 
1849, and established himself in his profession. He 
stood prominently at the head of the profession in 
this part of tlie State, and in the surgical depart- 
ment of his profession he was very eminent. The 
afflicted under his care knew that whatever of skill 
and attention could be brought to bear in their 
cases would be rendered by Dr. Wood. In his 
profession he was prompt, energetic and skillful; 
to the fraternity, he was kind and obliging, seem- 
ing to the younger members more as a tutor than a 
competitor. Socially no man was his superior — na- 
ture had stamped him with a noble spiiit and a 
great mind. 




■.rxJimTrmrmrTrmrxairfTt 




llfcllf»n. 







322 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



B 



HI 



"At the time of his death, we thiuk he had not a 
personal enemy anywhere. The community sin- 
cerely mourns the deprivaticm of his skill, and societ}' 
the loss of his high social qualities. To say that his 
family were devoted to him was but too feelingly 
manifested l)y the deep grief with which they re- 
ceived the sad reality- of his death. The death of such 
a man is no less a loss to the community than to 
society and his family. The family of the deceased 
have our most lively sympathies in this their afflic- 
tion." 

Of the union of Dr. and Mrs. Wood there were 
born eight children, as follows: George D. is a resi- 
dent of Waco, Tex., and an Alderman of that city; 
Marj^ became the wife of Kiuse}' Jordan, of Ot- 
tumwa, and died in 1872; Helen I. is the wife of 
E. E. Oliver, a jeweler of Ottumwa; Charles L. is 
in Pensacola, Fla. ; Clara A. married James L. Ser- 
viss, a railway conductor; Julia F. is the wife of K. 
Jordan, of Ottumwa; Robert P. is in Montana; one 
child died in infancy. Mrs. Wood occupies a hand- 
some residence within the city limits, and her 
liorae is the resort of the cultured people of the 
city. 

We give in connection with this sketch a fine 
lithographic portrait of Dr. Wood, which will be 
looked upon with interest by the many friends and 
patrons to whom his pleasant countenance in the 
past was ever a pleasure and a satisfaction. 



-♦sh-HM- 



<iftth>^-^-«- 




EDWARD (i. WOLF, a prosperous farmer 
and stock-grower, residing upon section 6, 
Center Township, was born at Cedar Rap- 
ids, Linn Co., Iowa, Aug. 6, 18Gl,and is the son of 
Col. John S. and Mary L. (Doubler) Wolf, both of 
whom are natives of Penns3dvania. The father is 
a railroad contractor, and at present is engaged on 
the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad. He has had 
contracts with nearly every railroad from Pennsyl- 
vania to the Northern Pacific, and has been en- 
gaged in the busitie.ss for about forty-one years. 
He came west as a contractor, and is at present re- 
siding in the city of Ottumwa. The subject of this 
sketch is living on and working a farm of 1G5 acres, 



the property of his mother. The farm is one of the 
best in the township, with good buildings and all 
the improvements of a well-regulated grain and 
stock farm. 

Eidward G. Wolf was married, Nov. 1, 1883, to 
Miss Lillie M. Miller, who was born in the city of 
Ottumwa, May 10, 18G4. ^ihe is the daughter of 
Jacob and Christina (Aldrich) Miller, the former 
of whom was for many j'ears engaged in the mer- 
cantile trade and also in operating a farm. His 
death took place in Ottumwa some years ago. Her 
mother is now living in Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wolf have one child, Franklin T., born April 3, 
1885. In politics Mr. Wolf affiliates with the Re- 
publican partj'. 



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^^^ W. BLACKMAN, a successful farmer and 
[II (=-, stock-raiser on section 36, Cass Township, 
^^^ "'as ^orn Aug. 28, 1811, in Dedliam, Mass. 
He is the son of Moses and Hannah (Went worth) 
Blackman, who were the parents of six children, 
as follows : Hannah is the widow of Jonathan An- 
drew, formerly of Bradford, N. H. ; Lewis is a 
farmer, residing in Wayne Count3% Iowa; Harriet, 
the late wife of .Joseph Barker, is deceased ; our 
subject is next in order of birth ; John is a farmer 
in Wayne County, Iowa, and Elizabeth is de- 
ceased. 

The father and mother of our subject removed 
with their familj^ from Massachusetts to Ohio, in 
1833, and settled in Vinton County. The father 
purchased 430 acres of land there, on which he 
erected a beautiful residence, and at the time of 
his demise, 1844, he had one of the best improved 
farms in "\^inton County. He died at the age of 
sixty-thi'ee years, loved and mourned by a host of 
relatives and friends. His wife, the mother of our 
subject, died in about the year 1870, at the lipe old 
age of ninety-two years. .She was a member of the 
Baptist Church, a loving Christian mother and wife, 
and a good neighbor. 

The subject of this notice lived with his parents 
until he was sixteen years old, when he was appren- 
ticed to learn the carpenter's trade, which he fol- 
lowed for a number of years. In 1833 he was mar- 



I' 

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miUji iiri 







WAPELLO COUNTY. 



323 Jff 



ried to Miss Elvira Palmenter, born May 1, 1815, 
in Hillsboro. N. H., and a daughter of Nathan- 
iel and Rhoda (Carr) Palmenter, both of Irish an- 
cestry. By this union two children were born^ 
both of whom died in infancy, and the good wife 
and mother departed this life Aug. 12, 1844. >She 
was a member of the Methodist liipiscopal Church, 
and is buried in Vinton County, Ohio. On Dec. 
31, 1844, our subject was married to Miss Melissa 
Mayhew, daughter of William and Lorilla (Gibbs) 
Mayhew. She was born in Athens Count}^ the 
State of Ohio, and her father and mother were na- 
tives of New York. Her father died when she was 
a small child, and her mother departed this life 
about 1860. Both were members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Of the union of our subject with 
Miss Mayhew there were seven children, namelj' : 
Mariuda E., born June 20, 1848, became the wife of 
Isaiah Van Winkle, a farmer of Ringgold Count}-, 
Iowa; William P., born Feb. 17, 18.50, is also a 
farmer of the latter county; Charles P., bc)ru 
March 28, 1853, is a resident of Chillieothe, this 
State, and a plasterer by trade ; Lewis A. was born 
April 25, 1855; Christa,Aug. 11, 1858; Phffibe L., 
born Aug. 22, 1860, became the wife of Charles 
Stuber, a farmer of Columbia Township, this 
county, and Elma was born Jan. 10, 1873. All the 
children were born in Ohio except the last-named, 
who first saw light in this count}\ 

In 1858 Mr. Blackman built a steam sawmill in 
Vinton County, Ohio, and there carried on milling 
in connection with his farming and carpentering 
until 1861. During that year he sold his mill and 
ensraaed in diaaing and deliverina iron ore to the 
Vinton furnace, and subsequently became manager 
of the ore department of the company, and held 
that position for two years. In 18G5 he sold his 
farm in Ohio and moved to this county, purchasing 
seventy-five acres of Land, and subsequently in- 
creasing his landed area until he is now the pro- 
prietor of 1 15 acres of good farming land, on which 
he has erected substantial buildings. He imme- 
diately located ou his farm, on coming here, and at 
once entered upon its cultivation, also working at 
his trade until 1882. During that year he aban- 
; doned carpenter work, and since that time h.is de- 
; voted his time and energy to the cultivation of his 



land and the raising of high-grade cattle, in which he 
is assisted by his son. Mr. Blackman has held var- 
ious township offices, and is at present serving a 
three years' term as Township Trustee. His wife 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and socially our subject belongs to the Masonic 
fraternity. Politically he is a Democrat, and cast 
his first presidential vote for " Old Hickory." 




•€■ 



;-*^- 



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■^^LBERT CON WELL, a successful farmer 
@Ol and stock-raiser of Cass Township, occu- 
pies a comfortable homestead on section 2, 
and is considered one of the representa- 
tive men of this locality. He comes of a good 
family, and was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 
on the 22d of February, 1846. His parents were 
John and Katie (Griffin) Conwell, a sketch of whom 
appears on another page of this volume. He 
came with his parents to Iowa in 1852, and spent 
his early years ou the farm of his parents, who were 
among the pioneers of this region. He attended 
the common schools of Cass Township, and received 
careful home training from excellent parents, which 
fitted him to become a useful and valued member 
of society. 

Mr. Conwell resides only a short distance from 
the old homestead, where he lived with his parents 
until his marri.age. The maiden of his choice was 
Miss Catharine Warren, to whom he was united in 
wedlock on the 11th of April, 1877. Mrs. Conwell 
was born in Wapello County, June 21, 1852, and is 
the daughter of Tillman and Elizabeth (Nye) 
Warren, her father a native of Ohio, and her 
mother of German birth and parentage. She is 
a lady highly respected in this community, and a 
member in good standing of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. Our subject in politics is a stanch 
Republican, and uniformly casts his vote in sup- 
port of the principles of iiis party. 

The homestead of Mr. Conwell includes seventy- 
eight and one-half acres of land, most of it under 
a fine state of cultivation, with ten acres of valua- 
ble timber. The residence is a handsome frame 
structure, and the barns and out-buildings are of 
first-class description. The possessions of our sub- 






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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



ject have been accumiilnterl solely by his own in- 
dustiy, and, being yet a comparatively 3'oung man, 
the prospects for his further prosperity and useful- 
ness as a member of society are remarkably good. 
He is ever ready to lend a helping hand to every 
enterprise calculated to advance the moral and in- 
tellectual development of his community. 



C<^ 



<S^ M. ARENSCHIE] 

fe] resident of Eldon, . 
/I I — Sf and occupies a hig 



M. ARENSCHIELD, M. D., has been a 
Iowa, since April 4, 1883, 
pies a liigli position in the medical 
profession in this locality. He is a close student 
and a skillful physician, and during the compara- 
tively brief period of his residence here has built 
up a good practice and secured a large patronage 
among the best residents of the city. 

Dr. Arenschield is a native of Rock Island 
County, 111., born in 18G0, and the son of C.J. and 
Harriet (Robinett) Arenschield, natives respect- 
W^ ivel}' of Germany and Ohio. His father was a 
[Ij farmer by occujiation, and emigrated from his na- 
tive country to the United States in 1835, settling 
in Ohio about the time of the opening of the Mex- 
ican War. He enlisted as a private in a company 
of mounted riflemen, and was under the command 
of Gen. .Scott until the termination of the war. He 
was wounded in the knee by a horse falling upon 
him while acting as a scout, which was the only ac- 
cident which he encountered during his term of 
service. After being mustered out he returned to 
Ohio and resumed farming there until 1850, when 
he removed to Rock Island Count}', 111., where he 
still lives. He was married, in 1852, to Miss Har- 
riet Ro))inett, and they became the parents of six 
children, of whom four sons are now living: C. O. 
is a farmer in Rock Island County, and now tliirty- 
ntwo years of age; V. L. is engaged as a contractor 
and l)uilder at Geneva, Xeli. ; the subject of our 
sketch was the next in order of birth; A. S. is a 
fireman on the .Southwestern Railroad. 

Dr. Arcn.schield remained under the ])arental 

^^' gr roof and attcntlecl school until he was sixteen years 

He thou went to Moline and entered upon 




i\ of age. 



I a course of study at the High School there, from 
• which he graduated in 1879, and then commenced 



the study of medicine with Dr. Hunter, of Hamp- 
ton, 111. The following year he entered the ^led- 
ieal Department of the Iowa .State University, and 
after a three years' course graduated from that in- 
stitution, and entered upon the practice of his pro- 
fession at Eldon, of which city he has since been a 
resident. He was soon afterward appointed local 
railroad surgeon for the C, R. I. & P. R. R., which 
position he occupies at the present time. He is 
also .Surgical Examiner for the Fidelity and Casu- 
alty Insurance Companj- of this place. In June, 
1883, he established his office here, and has devoted 
himself closely to his profession in this place since 
that time. 

Dr. Arenschield was married, June 2G, 1884, to 
Miss Lillian A. Williams, a native of Ottumwa. 
and daughter of Judge Williams, well known in this 
section of the State as one of the ablest men occu- 
P3'ing the position of advocate and counselor. Of 
the union of Dr. and Mrs. Arenschield there has 
been born one child, a daughter, lone T., now one 
j'ear old. Thej' occupy a handsome residence, and 
besides this the Doctor owns a store building. He 
is highly respected in this community as the friend 
of temperance, morality and good order, and in 
all respects is fuHilling the obligations of a worthy 
citizen. 

The father of Dr. Arenschield served as a soldier 
of the Union in the late war, enlisting in August, 
1862, ill the 89th Illinois Infantry as a private. 
He was soon promoted Corporal, next Sergeant, 
and in March, 18(J4, received a commission as .Sec- 
ond Lieutenant. The following October he was pro- 
moted First Lieutenant, and served as such under 
the command of Logan and Thomas until the close 
of the war. He participated in the various engage- 
ments of his regiment, being at the battles of Stone 
River, Chickamauga, and through the Atlanta cam- 
paign, receiving but one wound, by a piece of shell, 
in the shoulder. He was a Whig until the aban- 
donment of the old party by the ovg.anization of 
the Republicans, when he indorsed the principles 
of the latter, and has since voted with them. He 
began life as a poor boy, with a limited education, 
having never had but twenty-one days' schooling. 
But he was possessed of an inquiring mind, and 
was keenly observant of what was going on around 






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him, and by this means obtained a good fund of 
general information, lie was strongl^y opposed to 
the instituti<_)n of slavery, and at all times and in 
all places was the encoiirager and- supporter of 
ever\-thing tending to morality, temperance, and 
the general welfare of the community. 



•*-^sS><-^»s^ 



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"^AMES BURLEY, a prosperous farmer and 
stock-grower of Adams Township, is a na- 
tive of the Buckeye .State, Ijeing born in 
Perrjf County, Ohio, on the 12th of August, 
I 183(). His parents were Lee and Rachel (Iliff) 
Burley, natives of Pennsylvania. The mother 
died about 1873, at the age of sixty-eight years. 
She was a most worthy and excellent Christian lad3', 
and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Her remains are buried in Iliff Cemeter3-5 
in Perry County, Pa., and her name is held in 
kindly remembrance. The father is yet living in 
Perry County, Ohio, having arrived at the ad- 
vanced age of eightj'-three 3'ears. He removed 
there from his native State when a lad of nine years 
old, and settled among the early pioneers of that 
region, having now been a resident there for the 
long period of seventy-five years. He is a member 
of the Baptist Church, and still takes an intelligent 
interest in what is going on in the world around 
him. 

The parental household of our subject consisted 
of nine children, seven of whom are yet living: 
Jane is married, and residing in Marshall County', 
Illinois; John W. is engaged in farming pur- 
suits in Perry County, Ohio; James, of our sketch, 
was the third in order of birth ; Hannah, unmar- 
ried, resides with her father in Perrj- Countj-, Ohio, 
and also Rebecca; Thomas served as a soldier in 
the late war and died in Salsbury prison, South 
Carolina; Harriet married Jacob jMcKeefer, a 
farmer of Page County, Neb.; William M. is a 
merchant in Cookville, Perry Co., Ohio. 

James Burley left the parental roof at the age of 
twenty-one j'ears, and proceeding westward crossed 
the Mississippi and came to Afton, Iowa, where he 
located for seven months, and thence went to Chil- 
licothe, Mo. In this latter place he remained 



iixiimxmixraj: 



eighteen months, following his trade of potter, and 
from there went to Mound City, 111. He then re- 
turned to the old homestead in Ohio, and thence 
proceeded again to Marshall Count}', 111., where he 
remained until 18G2, and until after the beginning 
of the late war. After the repeated call for troojjs 
he returned to his native State, enlisted in the navy, 
and went on board the gun-boat " Brilliant," which 
acted as convoy on the Cumberland and Tennessee 
Rivers. There, with his comrades, Mr. Burlej' 
took part in the siege of Ft. Donelsou, and partici- 
pated in the various other engagements of his regi- 
ment, until the expiration of his term of service. 
Then, having felt that he had contributed his full 
quota tow.nrd the success of the Union army, he re- 
turned once again to Ohio and engaged at his 
trade. 

The subject of our sketch, was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Catherine Keohler, in Ohio, in 1866. 
Mrs. Burley was the daughter of Jacob and Mary 
(Myers) Keohler, natives of Marjiand, and was 
born in Perry County, Ohio, on the 24th of May, 
l!S46. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Burley 
decided to make their permanent location in the 
Hawkeye State, and settled in Lucas County for 
the first 3'car, thence removing to Ottumwa, and 
from there to Dahlonega, where JMr. Burley fol- 
lowed his trade for the next five years. From 
there they went to Blakesburg for eighteen months 
and thence to Sugar Creek, where Mr. Burley pur- 
chased twent3--eight acres of land, which they oc- 
cupied for two 3'ears. He then sold this and pur- 
chased seventy-five acres in Adams Township. 
This is now finely improved and under a good state 
of cultivation, and in connection with his success- 
ful pro.secution of agriculture he is also carr3-ing 
on a potter}'. Mr. Burle3' is complete master of 
this latter business, and manufactures several thous- 
and pieces of Avare each 3'ear, which yields him a 
comfortable income. 

Of tlie union of Mr. and Mrs. Burley there have 
been five children, the record of whom is as follows : 
Ada May, born Sept. 10, 1867, died on the 10th 
of October following; Jasper T., born Jan. 28, 
1869, died Sept. 25, 1875; Cordia, born Oct. 3, 
1871; Etta C, Sept. 17, 1874; Loretta, Dec. 28, 
1877. The famil}' residence is a model of conve- 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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nience and comfort, and Mr. Burley and his famil}' 
arc enjo3'iug the good things of life, and perform- 
ing acts of neighborly kindness as they have op- 
portunit}'. Mr. Burley, politically, is a stanch Re- 
publican, and has held the office of Township 
Trustee for several years. 



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F. BLAKE, an attorney at law and highly 
respected citizen of Eldon, has been a resi- 
dent of this vicinity since January, 1884. 
lie is a native of Lowell, Mass., born in 
18;');'), and the son of Lyman and Zeruah (Rollins) 
^ Blake, both natives of Orange Count3^ Vt. He re- 
mained under the parental roof and was sixteen 
j'ears of age when his parents came AVest to Wis- 
consin, in which State they located and remained 
for five years. During this time our subject took 
a course of study in the .State Normal School at 
River Falls, and afterward engaged as a teacher in 
Pierce and St. Croix Counties, Wis., for two years, 
■when he crossed the Mississippi and came to Ida 
County, Iowa, and alternately occupied his time in 
teaching and reading law, pursuing his studies un- 
der the instruction of C. W. Rollins, with wiiom he 
remained two years. He then went to Cedar Rap- 
ids, and entered the law office of Capt. Col3'er, 
with whom he remained one year. He then came 
into Wapello County, settling at once in Ottumwa, 
and removed thence to Eldon. 

Mr. Blake was admitted to tlie bar in Slarch, 1 882, 
at Ottumwa, and has built up a large practice, ex- 
tending into the counties of Jefferson, Davis and 
Van Buren. He was married in September, 1881, 
|||, to Miss Rachel W., daughter of Abram and Anna 
(Lee) Tabler, of Indiana, and they have become 
the parents of one son — Harold L., born Nov. 29, 
1882. Mr. Blake owns 160 acres of land in Ne- 
'\\ braska. 

} The death of Mr. Lyman Blake, the father of our 
-subject, was attended with very painful circum- 
stances, he being instantly killed bj' an engine on 
the railroad track in Eldon, of which town he had 
been a resident for only a few months, but in that 
brief time had made man}' friends. Lyman Blake 
w.-is born in Washington, Orange Co., Vt., in Octo- 



ber, 1820. He removed from his native place to 
Lowell, Mass., in 1843, and two j-ears later was 
united in marriage with Miss Zeruah Rollins. They 
liecanie the ijarents of eight children, only two of 
whom are now^ living. 

Mr. Blake was engaged in business in Lowell, 
Mass., for a period of twent}* years, owning and 
operating a general vai'iety store and two liverj'- 
stables, and at the same time wsis extensively en- 
g.aged in the sale of wood, giving employment to 
from thirty to forty men. He accumulated a large 
property and occupied a beautiful residence in 
Lowell. In about 1861 he received a kick from a 
horse, which broke three of his ribs and confined 
him to his bed for several months. During this 
time he was compelled to leave the management to 
his book-keeper and found, upon his return t<> busi- 
ness, that, owing to dishonesty or mismanagement, 
his finances were wi-ecked. He disposed of his 
business, sold his residence, and paying the last cent 
to his creditors, went back to Vermont to regain 
his health if possible. After a period of five ye.ars 
he came West, locating in Pierce Count}', Wis., and 
assumed the management of a flourmill. He was 
thus occupied for five years, and then removed to 
Iowa. He was strictlj' moral and temperate in his 
habits, and a kind and loving father and indulgent 
husband, a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and counted among his list of friends and 
associates the good and inrtuential members of the 
community in which he lived. 



\] 




OHN T. PERDUE, of Ottumwa, occupies a 
prominent position as Clerk of the Courts 
of Wapello County. He is a native of 
Stark County, Ohio, and was born on the 
9th of November, 1850, his father being Benjamin 
R. Perdue, at present a resident of Oskaloosa, this 
State. In 1862 our subject removed from his na- 
tive State with his parents to Oskaloosa. He was 
educated in the public schools of that city, and re- 
ceived careful training at the hands of wise and 
judicious parents. After he had completed his 
primar}' studies, he entered the Business College of 
Oskaloosa, from which he graduated in 1873. Three 



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j-ears later he was appointed Superintendent of the 
business of W. C. Perdue & Co., at Mucliachinock, 
and was afterward located at Cedar Mines, where 
he toolc charge of the coal company's store which 
was operating there. He was thus occupied until 
1^*80, when he came to Dudley, this county, and 
became associated with the mercantile firm of Bos- 
worth & Co., with which he was connected for the 
following two j'ears. In the meantime, notwith- 
standing he was busily employed with tlie concerns 
of his business matters, he had kept himself well 
informed upon local and general political affairs, 
and in 1 884 was nominated by the Republican 
party for County Clerk, to which position he was 
elected and re-elected in 1886, against a Democratic 
majority of 400 in 1884, and 200 in 1886, coming 
out 168 votes ahead of his ticket. 

In 1 87S Mr. Perdue was united in marriage with 
Miss Orpha J. Ramsey, in Prairie City, Iowa. Mrs. P. 
is the daughter of .John Ramsey, of Jasper County, 
Iowa, and was born in Ohio, Oct. 22, 18.'j4. They 
became the parents of three children — Mary K., 
Frank R. and Warren W. Their comfortable and 
homelike residence is located on Albany street, and 
they enjoy the friendship of a large circle of ac- 
quaintances. 

Mr. Perdue belongs to the Masonic fraternity as 
a member of Albia Lodge No. 76; Zerubabel Chap- 
ter No. 71, and is a member of Malta Commandery 
of Ottumwa, No. 31. He is also a member of Wa- 
pello Lodge No. 72, K. of P., and of Mahaska 
Lodge No. 16, I. O. O. F. He is a gentleman of 
more than ordinary ability, an extensive reader, 
and thoroughly well informed upon all matters in- 
teresting to an intelligent and enterprising citizen. 




WAPELLO COUNTY. 




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^^.| J. CREAMER, a prosperous farmer and 
'^'lUll stock-raiser of Pleasant Township, and lo- 
cated on section 35, is a native of Coles 
Ciiunty, 111., born June 5, 1847, and the 
son of H. and Amanda (Laughlin) Creamer. (See 
sketch of II. Creamer on another page of this work.) 
The subject of this history was reared upon a farm 
and educated in the common schools, and after at- 
taining to years of manhood, was united in mar- 



i lixHii tritiiiij xirix tf i 



riage, in 1869, with Miss Sam-intha Bartholomew. 
Mrs. Creamer was born in Jefferson County, (Jhio, 
Aug. 21, 1847, and is the daughter of A. J. and 
Margaret (Scott) Bartholomew. Her father was 
born in Maryland, and is yet living in Sheridan 
County, Kan. The mother, born in Ohio, died 
Jan. ,5, 1870. Four children came to bless this 
union: Leona J., born Jan. 2, 1870, died Sept. 30, 
1880; Winona A., born Jan. 29, 1872; Jessie A., 
in AVashington County, Ark., June 29, 1874; 
Clarence M., July 8, 1878. Mr. Creamer enlisted 
as a Union soldier May 4, 1864, in Co. K, 47th 
Iowa Vol. Inf., under Capt. Norris, and was mus- 
tered out Sept. 28, 1864. The regiment did garri- 
son duty while in the service. 

Mr. Creamer is the owner of 150 acres of good 
land, all of which is under a high state of cultiva- 
tion. He is a breeder of Short-horn cattle and 
other fine stock, and is considerably engaged in 
shipping. Mr. and Mrs. Creamer are members in 
good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Socially our subject belongs to the G. A. R., and 
politically he is a Republican. 

^•>-i-4 o^<(({(i)>.5«»o §^-5-4— 

AMES W. HOLLINGSWORTH, one of the 
earliest pioneers of Wapello Count}', was born 
in Virginia, July 31, 1812. He is the son of 
Thomas and Rachel (Jones) Hollingsworth, 
the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter 
of Virginia, and of English and Welsh ancestry re- 
spectively. His father was a soldier in the "War of 
1812, and by occupation a miller. He died at the 
age of seventy years, wliile his mother lived to the 
ripe old age of eighty-eight. 

Mr. II. left Virginia in 1835, going to Mar3dand, 
where for one year he was engaged in milling. He 
tiien went into Ohio, locating in Greene County, 
where he engaged in the milling business for the 
following eight years. Thence he came to this 
countj' and settled on section 14, of Green Town- 
ship, in 1844. Since then he has been a respected 
resident here, and an interested witness of the 
wonderful transformation in the country about 
him. 

Our subject was married, in 1839, to Miss Nancy 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Maholam, a native of Ohio, aud daughter of Will- 
iam ]Maholam, of Ireland. To them have been 
born a family of live children, all. with the ex- 
ception of one, now living: Sarah became the wife 
of Michael Baum, of Green Township; she died in 
1882, at the age of forty-two years; Thomas is a 
farmer of Green Township; he served his country 
in the late war for three years, being a member of 
the 36th Iowa Infantry; Frances A. is the wife of 
U. L. Gephart, now of Great Bend, Kan; Henry 
PJiHii Clay is living at Center ville, where he is Principal 
MW of the High School, and James P. is managing the 
^^ home farm. 

f"H ^Ir. Hollingsw<jrth has been an enterprising, pub- 
-W, lie-spirited man, and has served his community in 
various official positions. In politics he is a Green- 
backer. He owns 160 acres of good land, which he 
has cultivated in a systematic manner, rotating his 
crops so that the soil is always vigorous. His farm 
is also well stocked with high grades of the various 
domesticated animals. 

There were six children in the family of which 
our subject is a member, only two of whom are 
now living: Joseph is a retired miller at Great 
C } Bend, Kan. ; Isaac died at the age of fifteen ; our 
'^ "^ subject was next in order of birth; Mary J. died in 
1885, aged sixty-two years; Catherine died at the 
age of eighteen, and Putnam G. was killed at the 
battle of Manassas. Mr. H. is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 



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E. COLE is running a creamerj" on section 
8, Richland Township, where he manufact- 
ures about 5,000 pounds of butter per 
month. He was born in Washington County, 
^Ohio, Nov. 14, 1842, and is a son of AVilliam and 
Elizabeth Cole. His father was a stonemason bv 
trade, which occupation he foUowt-d for many 
'■^j'ears, much of the time being spent in farming. 
He is now living a retired life in Kirkville, Iowa. 
The mother died in 1881. 
tnttfu -pjjg subject of this sketch came with his parents 
[ to Wapello County, in 1854, and has since contin- 
ued to make this his home. He was reared upon a 




farm and educated in the district schools of this 
county. In lS(j3 he enlisted in Co. C, 47th Iowa 
Vol. Inf., served out his full time, was paid off, and 
discharged .at Davenport. Iowa. In 186G he was 
united in marriage with IMiss M. J. Picken, born in 
Harrison County, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1840, and the 
daughter of Alexander and Rachel (Conaway) 
Picken. Her father now resides in JIahaska 
Countj', this State; her mother died in that connty 
in 185G. Mr. and Mrs. Cole are the parents of 
four children: Minnie M., born May 20, 1868; 
Ohma L.. born J.an. 17, 1870, died Feb. 22, 1875; 
Bruner W., born Jan. 12, 1872. and Thomas W., 
Dec, 25, 1874. Mr. Cole is a member of the 
G. A. R., and politically is a Republican. 



i 



ETER BRIDEXSTIXE is a retired farmer, 

I j) living in Kirkville, ^\'apello County. He 
y^ was born in Maryland, April 30, 1808, and 

l\ is a son of Martin and Catherine (Spring- 
er) Bridenstine, both of whom were natives of the 
same State as their son. The family moved from 
Maryland to Ohio at a very early da^-, when tiiat 
now poiiuloMS State was a vast wilderness. The 
father died in Ohio at the age of eighty-four 
years, ten months and twelve daj's, and the mother 
died also at an advanced age. There were five 
children in the family, of whom Peter was the fifth 
son. 

The early life of our subject was spent on a 
farm, in Maryland and Ohio, with the privilege of 
a few months' attendance at the cpmn)on school 
during the winters. In 1830 he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Catherine Mason, daughter of John 
and Catherine (Brandeberry) Mason, who were also 
among the early settlers of Ohio, and who died in 
that State. 

In 1 848, in company with his wife and six chil- 
dren, Peter Bridenstine left Ohio and came to 
Iowa, locating in Mahaska County, where he re- 
mained until 1880, when he came to Kirkville, 
wiience, after one year he returned to his farm in 
^Slahaska County, remained one year, aud returned 
to Kirkville, where he has since resided. Mr. and 
Mrs. Bridenstine are the parents of eleven children : 



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: John W., deceased; Martin L.. married and living 
: in Oregun; Mary C. the wife of (ieorge Nedrow. 
i of Van Buren County', Iowa ; Martha A., the wife of 
IS William Lorance, in Kansas; Mason was a soldier 
S in the 7th Iowa Infantry, and was killed at the bat- 
tle of Belmont; L. S. is married, and lives in Au- 
dubon County, Iowa; David served as a soldier in 
the AVar of the Rebellion, and was accidentally 
killed by a railroad engine, near Kirkville, Iowa, in 
1885; Sarah E. died in infancy; Isaac W. is en- 
gaged in the coal works at Kirkville ; Rachel A. is 
the wife of Adam Echlebarger, and lives in Ne- 
braska. ]\Ir. Bridenstine is the owner of five lots 
in Kirkville, with three dwelling-houses. He has 
never aspired for office, but served one term as 
Justice of the Peace while a citizen of Mahaska 
County. He, with his excellent wife, is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically 
he is a Republican. 



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(^^ OLOMON BLYvSTONE, a successful farmer 
on section 27, Green Township, 
he follows the general routine of a 
farmer's life, was born in Crawford County, 
Pa., Sept. 3, 1826. He is a son of Isaac and Eliz- 
abeth ( Heckeruelle) Blystone, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. The mother departed this life Jan. 6, 1850; 
the father is yet living, and resides at Meadville, 
Pa. 
^ The subject of this notice was reared to man- 
; '5 hood in his native State, and there commenced his 
early education in the common schools. He sub- 
sequently attended Allegany College at Meadville, 
and, during the winters, taught school, spending 
his summers at farm work, until September, 1861. 
During that year he came to this State, and located 
at Point Isabell, Green Township, this county, 
where he worked at his trade, shoemaking, for 
about five years, and entertained travelers who 
J S came by the stage; he was also Postmaster at this 
iji point, and subsequently purchased his present farm 
S : of eighty acres, on which he located and where he 
y I has since continued to reside, engaged in its im- 
' : provement and cultivation. 



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Mr. Blystone was united in marriage wMth Miss 
Louisa Peters Nov. 8, 1849. She is the daughter 
of Adam and Elizabeth (Bear) Peters, natives of 
Pennsylvania. The former died Feb. 12, 1864, 
and the latter in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Blj'stone 
have become the parents of seven children, as fol- 
lows: Maggie E., who lived to attain the age of 
maturity, became the wife of E. E. Harris, and de- 
parted this life May 19, 1871, aged twenty years; 
John M., born June 22, 1853, died Feb. 2, 1864; 
Richard, born June 22, 1855, died Jan. 6, 1861; 
Ida M., born Feb. (i, 1S57. died Feb. 10, same 
3'ear; Joseph, born Oct. 11, 1859, was fatallj' in- 
jured on the C, B. & q. R. R., at Albia, May 25, 
1886, while engaged in switching; his foot caught 
in a frog and he was thrown under a moving train, 
his right arm being severed from his bodv, and he 
receiving other injuries which resulted in his death; 
he left a wife and one child — a little bo}', three 
months old — who are yet living, and reside at Ot- 
tumwa; William F. Blystone was born Aug. 17, 
1862, and is living on the old homestead, assisting 
our subject in the cultivation of the same; the 
j'oungest child died in infancy unnamed. 

Mr. Blj'stone is Democratic in politics, and has 
held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Assessor, 
Secretary and Clerk of the School Board, and 
Township Clerk. Religiously he is a member of 
the United Brethren Church, and has been a licensed 
preacher for that denomination upward of twelve 
years. Prior to that time he had been a local 
preacher in the Methodist Church. His good wife 
also belongs to the United Brethren Church. 



HOMAS H. BARRITT, favorably known in 
(fl^^ Highland Township, is a native of Cham- 
paign Count}^ Ohio, and was born in 1825. 
His parents were Abner and Rebecca (Diltz) Bar- 
ritt, natives of Ohio and Kentucky respectively. 
Our subject was reared on a farm in the Bucke3'e 
State, and in 1860 turned his. steps westwai'd, and 
coming into AX'apello County, Iowa, settled near 
the town of Dahlouega, upon a tract of rented land, 
which he cultivated for one 3'ear, and was variously- 
engaged for the following eleven years. In the 




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332 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



fall of 1865 he purchased eighty acres on section 
17, Highland Township, where he established a 
permanent home and has continued to live since 
that time. He is engaged in general farming, and 
is possessed of all the conveniences for carrying 
on agriculture in a first-class manner. 

Thomas H. Barritt was married in 184i), to Miss 
j\Iary W. Potter, a native of Pennsylvania, and the 
daughter of t'apt. James and Matilda (IMcNoten) 
Potter, natives of the same State. Of this union 
there have been born seven children, of whom the 
record is as follows : Edgar II. is farming in Ne- 
braska; Albert W. is an agriculturist, and lives in 
C4ove County, Kan.; Belle became the wife of John 
Cole, a druggist, and the3' live in Dakota: Jennie 
married Thomas Funk, of Walnut Grove, this 
count}-; Tillie, the widow of Elmer Jones, is at 
home with her parents; her husband was a tele- 
graph operator, and died Jul}- 11,1 .s83, at Martins- 
burg, Iowa; Ralph and Walter W. are farming in 
this county. The farm residence of ilr. Barritt is 
pleasing and attractive in a|)pearance, and tiie fam- 
ily enjoj' the respect of their neighbors and .ac- 
(piaintances in a marked degree. Mr. Barritt is 
possessed of a good fund of general iufoi'ination, 
and is a })leasant conversationalist. 

The f,ather of our subject served through the en- 
tire War of 1812, under (Jen. Harrison, and re- 
ceived a Captain's commission. He spent his de- 
clining days in his native State, and died in July, 
1843, at the age of seventy-five j^ears. His faith- 
ful and affectionate wife survived him until 1.S74, 
anil departed this life when eightj-four years of 
age. The fatlier of Mrs. Barritt also was a Cap- 
tain in the War of 1812. 



ENRY ZULAUF, pnjiirietcu- of the Ottuniwa 
Woolen-Mills, is a native of German}-, and 
w.as born Jan. ti, 1851. He came to Amer- 
ica with his parents when a child of five 
years old, and tliey proceeded directly westw.ard 
into Io"-a, and made their fii-st location in Agenc}' 
Cit}'. They came to Ottumwa in 1.S64, where our 
subject was employed in his uncle's mill for a brief 





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period, later engaging in the drug business, which : 
he afterward abandoned for the grocery trade. ; 

■ 3' 

This he only followed for a few years, and in 1877 3j; 
became interested in the woolen-mill which he now g; 
owns, and which he has operated successfully from : 
the start. 

Mr. Z. is a young man of more than ordinary 
abilit}', and has built up a business of which he 3£} 
may well be prt)ud. He is held in high esteem by 5f } 
a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and is SI} 
a member of Ottumwa Lodge No. 16, A. F. & A. ?f- 
jM., Clinton Chapter No. 9, and Jlalta Commandery ;i 
No. 31, K. T. He is straightforward and enter- 3;[ 
prising in his business methods, and is already be- Sji 
coming a leading citizen of this locality. i-:\ 

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ii 

R. J. B. KROUT, of Competine Township, Si 

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a practicing plu'sician and surgeon, during J. 
a residence of one year in this vicinity, has : 
l)uilt up for himself a good reputation as 35 
an educator, an excellent business man. and a val- 
ued member of society. He is a native of Balti- Si 
more County, Md., and was born July 27, 1856, Ri 
his parents Ijeing Jacob and Sarah L. (Rule) Krout, si 
who are now residents of Reno Count}-, Kan, The ^i 

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parental household of our subject included ten chil- 
dren, as follows: Jlary A., born Oct. 16, 1848, is f^ 
the widow of Rev, T, W. Dye, and resides in ]Mor- gi 
row County, Ohio; J. N., born Aug. 24, 1850, mar- ^a 
ried Mary H. Dennis, and is eng.iged in te,aching 3- 
schoiil in Reno County, Kan,; Elizabeth E,, born !-; 
July 12, 1852, is the wife of L, Dennis, and a resi- Je 
dent of Morrow County, Ohio; William H. died in S 
infancy; J. B., our subject, was the next in order | 
of birth; George F., born March 31, 1859, married | 
Miss Kelly, and is carrying on farming in Morrow '■; 
County, Ohio; Charles A., born March 12, 1862, is 
a teacher in the place above mentioned; Hiram E., 3|} 

boin March 12, 1)S66, a f,arnier of Reno County, 3=1 

3 ■ 
Kan., married .Susan Henderson; Vincent D., l)orn -;^ 

P'eb, 28, 1869, is a teacher in Morrow County, p} 

Ohio; Ida M,, born Sept. 19, l!S71, resides in Reno 

County, Kan. 

The parents of Dr. Krout removed from Mary- 3:; 

land to Ohio in ls57 when he was an infant of a 



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year old. He began attending school at the age of 
seven 3'ears, and after completing his primaiy 
studies, attended the Union Schot>l at Woodview 
and the High School at Mt. Gilead, Ohio. He was 
a bright bo.y and fond of his boolcs, and at the age 
of eighteen j^ears had fitted himself for a teacher, 
■which vocation he followed until 1878. He then 
crossed the Mississippi, visiting Iowa and Kansas, 
and in the spring of 187il returned to Iowa with a 
view of making it his jiermanentliome. He settled 
in Keokuk County, and entered upon his former 
occupation as a teacher, in the meantime taking up 
the study of medicine and pursuing it industriously 
for nian\- months, and then entering the College of 
Ph3'sicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, he completed 
the regular course, and graduated on the id of 
March, 188(5. Dr. Krout commenced practice at 
Marysville. and although young in the profession, 
there is evidenth' a bright future before him. 

The subject of our sketch was married, Aug. 15, 
1880, to Miss Allie M. Dinsmore, daughter of 
AVilliara and Mary (Hampson) Dinsmore, of Fre- 
mont, Iowa. IMrs. Krout was born in January, 
1858. Of her union with Dr. Krout there has been 
born one child, Emma L., the date of whose birth 
was Maj' 30, 1881. Both the Doctor and Mrs. 
Krout are members in good standing of the Bap- 
tist Church at Marysville, and the former belongs 
to the A. F. & A. M. 




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J. *l\ ICHAEL BAUM, a highly respected farmer 
\\\ of Green Township, is the possessor of a 
la fine estate located on section 10, and pre- 
senting a scene of thrift and prosperity as 
well as beauty. The farm comprises eight}' acres 
of finely cultivated laud, upon which is erected a 
beautiful residence, a fine bam, and all the other 
appliances of a first-class agriculturist. 

Mr. Baum is a native of ^'ermilion Count}', 111., 
and was born Nov. 11, 1834. He is a son of Ben- 
jamin and Mary (Weaver) Baum, natives of Ohio. 
1 1 is father was born Sept. 6, 1811, in Clermont 
County, and died on the 24th of March, 1866. He 
w,as a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and a true Christian in his (.tail}' walk and 




conversation. The familj' came to this count}^ 
1848, and two years later Benjamin Baum inir- HL-- 
chased 160 acres of land on section 15, and eighty '' 

acres on section 27, in all •240 acres, and at the 
time of his death his farm was finel}^ improved and 
under a good state of cultivation. Upon this he 
had erected a comfortable residence, a good barn, 
and other necessary out-lsuildings. The mother of 
our subject is now living, at the age of seventy-five 
3'ears, with her sou-in-Iaw. Mr. Mendenhall. To 
this devoted and affectionate couple were born the 
following children : Susan became the wife of Ivy 
Mendenhall, a farmer of (ireen Township: Michael, 
our suljject, was the second child ; John is deceased ; 
Joseph F. is engaged in farming and milling; Mary 
J. married John Lawrence ; D. II. is operating a 
sawmill, and Maricm W. is in Kansas. 

The subject of our sketch spent his earlier j'ears 
upon the farm of his father, and attended the com- 
mon schools in winter until about 1854. He then 
went to learn the carpenter's trade, and after serv- 
ing a thorough aj^prenticeship, was occupied at this 
for the fiillowing nine years. On the 3d of Jan- 
uary, 1860, he was married to Miss S. E., the 
daughter of J. W. and Nancy (Maholam) Hollings- 
worth, natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. 
Of this union there were four children: Virginia 
C, born Oct. 3, 1860; William, Nov. 10, 1862; 
Charles C, Jan. 7, 1868, and Nellie L., Sept. 23, 
1871. 

In 1863 Mr. Baum purchased a farm of eighty 
acres which constitutes his present homestead, and 
since that time has been mainly engaged in its cul- J 
tivation and improvement. On the 11th of March, 
1882, he met with a severe affliction in the death of 
his wife. Mrs. Baum was an amiable and intelli- 
gent lad}', and highly respected In' all who knew 
her for her excellent pers(m,al traits of clmracter. 
She was a consistent Christian and a devoted mem- 
ber of the Methodist Eijiscopal Church. Her re- 
mains are resting in Ziou churchyard. 

Mr. Baum has been prominently identified with 
the business and industrial interests of this county 
since first coming here. He has taken an active in- 
terest in everything tending to its welfare and ad- 
vancement, and lias been the encourager and sup- 
porter of ever}' worthy public enterprise. He is 



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334 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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fl~Cj Civil War 
.-li-tt, soldier in 
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Democratic in polities, and has held the various 
township offices, fulfilling the trust imposed in him 
faithfully' and conscienticjush', having the same 
care for the interests of his townshij) as lie does for 
his own. 



1 C. BUKN.S, a prominent farmer and stock- 
grower of Competine Township, is finel^^ lo- 
cated on section 9, and has been a resident 
of the IIawke3'e fState for the last ten years, 
lie is the son of Henry and Cynthia (Moler) Burns, 
natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana. The 
parental household included two children : John 
C, our subject, born .July 9, 1858, and George, 
liorn in 1800; the latter died three years later in 
Knox Count}', 111. Henry Burns was born in 1837, 
and the greater part of his life was emplo3'ed in 
farming'. In 1862, after coming to Iowa, the late 
being then in progress, he enlisted as a 
the 23d Iowa Infantry, and lost his life 
in the war, being killetl by a cannon-linll at Cum- 
Iterland Gap, Tenn. After his enlistment his wife 
returned to Knox County, 111., and here, with her 
only son (our subject), remained until the latter 
was a 3'outh of nineteen .years. Then, wishing to 
see something more of the western country, John 
C. Burns crossed the Mississiiipi .uid came into 
Iowa, arriving in Wapello County on the 7th of 
November, 187.5. He and his step-brother em- 
liarked in the stock Ijusiness for the .year following, 
after which our subject engaged in farming. 

Mr. Burns was united in marriage, Jan. .30, 1879, 
with Miss Ella Harris, the daughter of Joseph and 
Orpha J. (Callom) Harris, who were both natives of 
Indiana. ]\Irs. Burns w.ns l)orn .Sept. 27, 18G0, in 
Wapello County, and after her marriage with our 
subject they located upon a tract of prairie land, 
where Mr. B. had erected a good frame house, and 
other necessary' farm Iniildings. They liecame the 
parents of three children : Harry E., born Dec. 3, 
1880; Ralph T., Nov. 12, 18!s2, and Freddie, born 
July 8, 188.5, and died Feb. 8, 1880. The mother 
of Mr. Burns died at Knoxville. 111.. Dec. 20, l^<8(!. 
The little iiousehold of our suljject is surrounded 
bj- all the comforts of life, and the homestead pre- 
sents a picture vvhich ma}' well be envied by many 






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who* have larger possessions and more brilliant 

prospects. Since i)urch.asing his farm ;Mr. Burns 5;[ 

has been engaged in the breeding of Jersey cattle, Sf: 

and has met with fine success. In 18.S-I. at the Jil 



Keokuk County Fair, he took the first prize on all ; 

classes and sweepstakes, and first i)rlze on the best 3i;ti 

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cow of any age or breed. In Mahaska County he a; 
took the three first prizes and two second, with the ^!; 
three herds in competition. In Wapello Count}', -'' 
three first prizes and three second, also with three 
herds in competition, .and in Jefferson Count}- the sf 1 
same. ju 

Jlr. Burns and his wife are connected with the 3-i 



3;. I 



Baptist Church, and in politics our subject is a 
stanch Republican. He has held various offices in : 
his township, and is highly esteemed by his fel- ap 
low-citizens as a straightforward business man and 
a skillful and intelligent agriculturist. 




WILLIAM BROWNFIELD, M. I)., a resident 
€)f AVapello County since 1854, first settled 



yy^l in Ashland, .soon after coming into Iowa. 31": 
He is a native of Fayette County, Pa., born in 1820. 3|i 



and a son of Zedock and Rebecca (Marker) Brown- !<':^ 



field 

tai 

son, our subject, was a small boy, in 1828. 



Dr. Brownfiold commenced life a poor boy. but 3^1 



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with a rich fund of determination and energy. At 51 

the age of twenty-one years, after having served a af 

thorough apprenticeship as a farmer's boy, he left ; 

his native State and went to Greensburg, Decatur a: 

Co., Ind., where he lived until August, 1854, occu- | 

l)icd mostly in painting. He had already decided 3s . 

upon the israetice of medicine, and for some time 3-^f 

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previously had employed his leisure time in study. 

From Greensburg. Ind., he removed to Iowa, and s^_ 

first engaged in the practice of iiis profession at 5c } 

Ashland, after which ho became a resident of El- ; 

don. Since coming to this vicinity Dr. Brownfield ; 

" 3i 

has been a prominent citizen and highly esteemed, 3 

5- 

not only for his straightforward business method.* j 

but his m.any excellent traits of character. He has 3- 

been a Justice of the Peace for eight years, was a i- 

member of the School Board for several years, and : 



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ield, natives of Pennsylvania, his father being a "'i 
anner by occupation. The mother died when her 3^ 







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has served as City Councilman. The Doctor owns 
fifty acres of land in this county, and also valua- 
ble real estate in Eldon. 

Dr. Brownfield was married, March 29, 1848, to 
Miss Mary Whitlaw, of Madison County, Ky., 
daughter of John and Mary (Byrum) >\'hitlaw, na- 
tives of North Carolina. Of this union there were 
born eight children, three only of whom are living: 
Rebecca R., born Feb. 23, 1849, became the wife of 
Henry Springer, and lives in Ottumwa; John T., 
born Aug. 19, 1851, died in 18oo; Mary E., the 
wife of Aaron A. Carr, was born March 22, 1853, 
and is living in the Indian Territory; Willie E., 
born Jan. 24, 1858, is a locomotive engineer, and 
makes his home with his parents. Dr. B. is con- 
nected with the A. F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F. 

The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Brownfield was 
a soldier of the Revolutionarj^ War, as were also his 
seven sons, and her paternal grandfather was a sol- 
dier in the War of 1812. 

,yr.., iS'. CAIN, a farmer and stock-grower of 
&uJ\\ Washington Township, owns and occupies 
a fine homestead on section 1 1 , and is suc- 
cessful in his agi'icultural and Inisiness 
operations. He was born in Guilford County, N. 
C, Jan. 8, 1831, and is a son of Moirison and 
Rhoda (Satterfield) Cain, both of whom are natives 
of North Carolina. In 1832 his parents moved to 
Indiana, where they remained till Maj', 1854, when 
the}^ came to Kirkville, Wapello County, where his 
mother died in 1857, and his father in I8G4. 

The subject of this sketch came to A\'apello 
County in 1852, where he has since continued to 
reside. In 1856 he married Ruth B. Ooff, who 
was born May 5, 1835, in Penus3'lvania, and is the 
daughter of Peter and Rebecca (Brownfield) Goff, 
both natives of the same State. Her parents moved 
to Iowa in 1849. Her mother died in 1875 and 
her father in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Cain became the 
ixarcnts of six children, as follows: Ella B.. born 
Aug. 7, 1857, is the wife of Marshall M. Whited, 
living in Kansas; Marj- M., born Aug. 3, 1803, is 
the viife of William M. Evans, living in Kansas; 
Grace L. was born June 25, 1867; Al vesta N., 




April 20, 1875. The deceased are George P., who 
was boru April 14, 1859, and died June 11 of the 
same year, and Rhoda I., born Sept. 26, 1872, and 
died Sept. 18, 1873. They have two adopted sons: 
Charles W. Pitman, who became an .inmate of the 
household at the age of five years, and who re- 
mained with them until twenty-one, is now living 
in Kansas ; the other is AValter Springer. 

The homestead of our subject consists of 250 
acres of good land, finely cultivated, and with a 
fine set of frame buildings. He is a good citizen 
in all respects, a member of tiie Baptist Church (as 
is also Mrs. Cain), and belongs to the I. O. O. F. 
Politicallj- he nniforml}^ casts his vote in support 
of the principles of the Republican party. 



"^ W. JONE.S, a highl}^ respected farmer of 
Adams Township, is pleasantlj' located on 
section 5, and engaged in the ordinary pur- 
suits of agriculture. His farm estate con- 
sists of 1 1 1 acres, upon which he has erected a com- 
fortable residence, a good barn :iiid all the neeessarj' 
out-buildings, and possesses all the machinery and 
equipments of a first-class agriculturist. 

The suliject of our sketch is a native of Indiana, 
and was born in Montgomery County on the 5th 
of Jul}'. 1836. He is the son of J. B. and Rebecca 
(Carman) Jones, natives respectively of Virginia 
and Kentucky. They removed from Indiana in 
1 856, when their son, our subject, was a young man 
of twenty 3'ears, and crossing the Mississippi came 
into A\apello County, where the father purchased 
200 acres of good land in Adams Township. The 
journey was made overland with teams and occu- 
pied twenty-one days. Tiie father of our subject 
proceeded to the improvement and cultivation of 
his purchase and in due time had established a com- 
fortable home, upon which the parents now reside. 
The subject of this sketch remained under the 
home roof until he attained his majority, hav- 
ing received his education in the subscription 
schools of his native State. His father had been 
one of the pioneer settlers of Indiana, and upon 
coming to this section was amply fitted for the du- 
ties which subsequently devolved upon him in the 





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336 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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young State of Iowa, and transmitted to his son 
those qualities which have to-daj' constituted one 
of the vahied citizens of the community. Young 
Jones, at the time of attaining liis majority, had a 
good knowledge of farming pursuits, and had de- 
cided upon these as his future occupation in life, 
and had selected his future location at the time of 
his marriage. This latter interesting event in the 
life of our subject occurred on the ith of January, 
18G6, the maiden of his choice being Miss Barsheba 
Ljl Draper, the daughter of J. W. and JIargaret (Ral- 
U ston) Draper, l>otli natives of Virginia. Thej^ sub- 
sequentl}' removed to Indiana, and Mrs. Jones was 
born in Carroll Comity, that State, on the '23(1 of 
October, 1838. Seven years later her parents 
crossed the IMississijjjji and came into Wapello 
Count3', Iowa, bringing their family' with them. 

Mr. and Jlrs. Jones have become the parents of 
three children: John B. was born Oct. 11, 1866, 
and died Oct. 8, 1869; his remains are buried in the 
cemetery near Blakesburg ; Robert Lee was born 
March 7, 1869, and Emma T., Sept. 12, 1878. Mr. 
and ^Irs. Jones are members in good standing of 
the Christian Church, and politically our subject is 
a liberal Democrat. He has held the various town- 
ship offices within the gift of his fellow-citizens, and 
in all respects is a useful member of the communitj'. 





P. HOLLINGSWORTH. Among the very 
few active business men of to-day, who are 
natives of this county, is our subject, born 
April 9, 18.o7. His father, James IlolJings- 
worth, is represented elsewhere in this volume. 
L J. P. was united in marriage, Nov. 3, 1880, to Miss 
Laura Alice Carson, also a native of this county. 
Her father, Ji)hu A. Carson, was an carl}' settler 
of this county, and lived here until his death, which 
occurred in l.S8."),at the age of fifty-nine 3ears. He 
w.as a farmer, and with his wife, a respected mem- 
ber of the iMctliodist Episcopal Cluirch. Tiie latter 
died here in 1872, at the age of lift^y. They were 
the parents of the following eight children: Carry 
w.as a soldier in the hite war, serving three years as 
a member of the 26ti) Iowa Infantry; Andrew J. 



is living in Kansas; Sarah is the wife of John J 
Rupe, of Kansas; Mary, who is living in the same 
place, is the wife of James Rupe; Richard is living i' 
in Ottumwa; John in Kansas; Laura Alice is the 
wife of our subject; Elizabeth is the wife of Ed- 
ward Swiggard. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ilollingsworth are the parents of two 5; 
children, whom they have named Fred Austin and 
Edward J. In politics Mr. H. is a Republican, and 
.as a citizen is held in high esteem. 




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ICHARD BUTCHER, a wealthy and promi- 
nent business man of Eddj'ville, has been a 
resident of this loealit}^ since the spring of 
!j^l843, and has occupied a pnmiinent posi- 
tion among the business and industrial interests of 
Wapello County. Mr. B. is an Englishman by 
birth and parentage, and first opened his e3'es to the 
light in 1818. His parents were John and Margaret £j 
(Thomi)son) Butcher, natives respectively of Ire- 
land and Scotland, and they transmitted to their 
son the excellent and estimable qualities of both 
races in a marked degree. Being ambitious for their 
future and not satisfied with their condition or their 
prospects in their own country, they resolved to 
emigrate to the New World, and accordingly in 
1821 set sail for the United States. They first set- 
tled in Belmont Count\-, Ohio, and here young 
Richard at an early age engaged as clerk in a store 
at St. Clairsville, where he remained until he was 
nineteen years old. 

Our subject then went to Wheeling, W. Va., 
where he was employed as a dr^-goods clerk until 
1840. He then set his face to the farther West, and 
going into Illinois located in Vermont, Fulton 
Count}', where h? engaged at chojjping cord-wood 
for two j-ears following. He then crossed the 
Father of Waters, having traveled on foot until he 
reached the Eastern bank of the Mississippi, and 
coming into Iowa located in Eddj'ville and engaged 5= \ 
as a clerk for J. P. Eddy, who had formerly been 
an Indian trader but w.as then carrj-ing on general 
merchandising. Mr. Butcher continued with the p' 
latter for one year and then went into business for f': 
himself, which he h.«is continued until the present f 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



time. He has been uniformh' prosperous in his un- 
dertakings and has accumulated vahuilile property. 
He owns 1,200 acres of land in this county and is 
possessed of considerable real estate within the citj' 
limits of Eddyville. At the present time he is 
quite extensively engaged in the purchase and ship- 
ping of wool, which jields hiui a handsome income. 

The subject of our sketch is Democratic in poli- 
tics and uniformly casts his vote in support of tlie 
principles of that party. He is credited with hav- 
ing fulfilled all the obligations of a good citizen 
with perhaps one exception, and that is that he has 
never married. He is the oldest business man in the 
county, having been established in trade for a per- 
iod of forty-four j-ears, and during that time has 
built up for himself an enviable reputation as an 
honest man and a public-spirited and enterprising 
member of the communit}'. 

The father of our subject departed this life at 
the age of thirty-three years in Belmont County, 
Ohio. He belonged to the laboring classes, and dur- 
ing the varied experiences of an industrious and 
useful life, earned for himself an honest name — all 
the inheritance which he was able to leave to his 
children. His death occurred in about 1825, and 
that of the mother in about IS^i. Their family 
consisted of five children, of whom the subject of 
our sketch was the eldest bom, and one is deceased. 
Of those living, Sarah became the wife of George 
Neff of Belmont Couut3', Ohio; AVilliam is occu- 
pied in farming pursuits in California; John died 
in about 1880, near Red Eock, Iowa, and Thomp- 
son still lives in Belmont County', Ohio. 



Li^^IMOTHY RIORDAN, a Justice of the Peace 

' if Ottumwa, comes of stanch, warm-hearted 

Irish ancestry and parentage, and was born 

[JjE in the cit}' of Cork, Ireland, on the 6th of Januarj', 

I 1M2'.). He was reared and educated in his native 

g city, and at the early age of fourteen years made 

up his mind to emigrate to America. He aceord- 

|5 ingl3' set sail in 1843, and after a prosperous vo}'- 

:;f age landed at New Orleans, whence he proceeded 

i.j to Cincinnati, and thereafter traveled over a large 




portion of the State of Ohio. He then determined 
to cross the Mississippi and see what there was for 
him in the country beyond, and in 18,o.5 found 
himself in the then small village of Ottumwa, where 
he decided to locate luitil he could find something 
that suited him better. He was wide-awake and 
ambitious, and had improved his opportunities for 
stud>' and observation, and soon after coming here 
secured a position as check clerk for the C, B. <fe 
(I. R. II. Co., which position he occupied for sev- 
eral years, and in due time was appointed Justice 
of the Peace, the duties of which otfice he is ful- 
filling in a manner creditable to himself and satis- 
factory to all concerned. 

In 1854, during his residence in Ohio, Mr. Rior- 
dan was married to Miss Hainiah Levering, a na- 
tive of his own country, and of their union there 
have been born seven children, all living, and 
named as follows: Mollie, Daniel J., Susan and 
Margaret (twins), James A., John T. and Allen B. 
Mr. Riordan is Republican in politics, and since 
coming to Wapello County has kept himself well 
posted upon all public matters, and by his courte- 
ous manner .and intelligence has secured a large 
circle of friends and well-wishers. 




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"^AMES J. BOX, M. JJ., a prominent and suc- 
cessful ph^'sician of Eldon, Iowa, came to 
this vicinity- in 1883, and although his resi- 
dence here has been comparatively brief, he 
has fully established himself in the confidence and 
respect of his fellow-citizens. He is a close and 
intelligent student, and by diligent attention to his 
calling, has already secured a good practice with a 
bright outlook for the future. 

Dr. Box is a native of Morgan Couutj', 111., and 
' the son of John and Delilah (Bratton) Box, na- 
tives res])ectively of Kentucky and North Caro- 
lina. They emigrated to Morgan County, 111., in 
1820, while Illinois was yet a Territory, and settled 
upon a claim of unimproved land, which thej' in- 
dustriouslj- cultivated, and upon which the}' re- 
mained for the following thirteen years. John Box 
then " pulled up stakes," and setting his face west- 
ward, crossed the Slississippi with his family into 



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the portion of Iowa which then belonged to the 
Territory of Wisconsin. They located one and a 
half miles north of the present site of Ft. Madison, 
and the father of our subject became prominent in 
the public affairs of this section, and was a member 
of the Territorial Legislature which convened at 
Belmont, Wis. He served one term, when Iowa 
was stricken off as the Blaekhawk Purchase, and in 
1838 was elected to the Territorial Assembly of 
Iowa, at its first session, serving until 1840. He 
introduced the bill for the division of Lee County, 
which then embraced an area equal to five counties, 
and was apportioned into Des Moines, Lee, Van 
Buren, IIeur3-, Jefferson and Louisa. At the expi- 
ration of his last term of office, John Box engaged 
in mercantile business at Ft. Madison for a number 
of years, and then moved back upon the old farm 
and remained there until 1852. He then resumed 
business !is a merchant for eight years following, 
and then retired to Floris, Davis Count3', where he 
spent the remainder of his life, his decease occur- 
ring Feb. 30, 1874. He was a straightforward busi- 
ness man, honorable and upright in his transactions, 
a member in good standing of the Christian Church, 
and contributed liberally of his means for the pro- 
motion of education, temperance and religion. 

The subject of our biography was reared upon the 
farm, and remained with his parents until he was a 
young man twenty-three j'ears of age, and had de- 
cided upon his profession in life. He attended the 
first school taught in Iowa and afterward went to 
Ft. Madison, and studied medicine in the office and 
under tlie instruction of l)rs. Eads and Baker, with 
whom he remained three years. He commenced 
the practice of his profession at Drakesville, Davis 
Co., Iowa, and remained there until the fall of 
1858, when lie removed to Floris, and pursued his 
practice there until the 15th i>f August, 1883, at 
wliich time he came to Kldon, where he lias since 
remained. Dr. Box started out in life without 
financial assistance, and the handsome property of 
which he is now the owner at Floris has been ac- 
cumulated s<jlely b}' the exercise of the talents 
which nature bestowed upon him, and his heritage 
of industry and determination. 

Dr. Box was married, Dec. 7, 1852, to Miss Eva 
A. Bryson, a native of Kentucky, and they have 




become the parents of seven children, the record of 
whom is as follows : The eldest son, J. C. Box, M. 
D., is a practicing physician at Floris, Davis 
County; William A. is at Eldon; Cordelia A. died 
at the age of sixteen months; Emma became the 
wife of F. E. Truax, of Drakesville ; Charlie E. is 
a dentist of Medicine Lodge, Kan.; Marquis D. 
and j\Iary Belle are at home. The Doctor and his 
wife are members in good standing of the Chris- 
tian Church. They occupy a handsome home in 
Eldon which is the resort of the cultured people of 
the cit}'. Dr. Box is Democratic in politics, and 
sociallj' belongs to the I. O. 0. F. 



ARRY C. PETERS, a successful and effi- 
cient druggist of Ottumwa, Iowa, is a na- 
tive of Zanesville. Ohio, and first opened 

M) his eyes to the light on the 23d day of Oc- 
tober, 1 85G. He is the son of Chaides C. and Mary 
J. (Oden) Peters, natives respectively of Ohio and 
Mrginia. Thej^ were married in Zanesville, Ohio, 
on the 21st of December, 1855. The father of our 
subject was a pa3'master of th^ Baltimore & Ohio 
Railroad in an early da}', and his grandfather, 
John Peters, a prominent citizen of Zanesville, 
and a banker. Charles C. Peters left Ohio in 
1859 and came to Ottumwa, Iowa, where he pur- 
chased a large tract of land in Center Township 
and opened ui> a farm. In 18G3 he became inter- 
ested in the dry-goods trade, and operated as a 
memlier of the firm of Devin tt Peters, which sub- 
sequently became Peters & Co., Mr. D. having sold 
his interest. Five years later he lost heavilj- by 
the fire of 1868, but recovering himself continued 
business up to 1872. Three years later he went to 
Keokuk and associated himself with the firm of R. 
F. Bower <fc Co., with whom he still remains. He 
served for several years as Alderman of the Fourth 
Waril, being elected on the Republican ticket. 

The houseiiold of Charles C. Peters included six 
children, two sons and four daughters, five of 
whom are living, the record being as follows: Har- 
ry C, of our sketch, is the eldest; Kate M. became 
the wife of R. N. Morrell, of Ottmnwa; ilaggie 




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AVAPELLO COUNTY. 






341 



{i : W. ; Annie AV. and Fannie D. (twins) are at home. 
fr : The faithful and affectionate wife and mother de- 
li* parted this life on the 20th of September, 1875. 



U S She was a most estimable Christian lady, and high- 



ly 



il ; ly respected in the community where she lived. She 

] !jS was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal 

liic Church, and in her dail}' walk and conversation 

i;| lived up to the principles of her religion. 

i;! Harry C. Peters received his early education in 

lijt the Hawkej'e State, and remained under the paren- 

i:| tal roof until he had attained to j'ears of manhood. 

i?6 He was united in marriage with Emma Boulton on 

\h the ^nth of December, 1880. Mrs. Peters is a 

IE daughter of O. W. Boulton, of Ottumwa, and was 

I born in Green Bush, N. Y., Jan. 28, 18G0. Of this 

i union one child has been born, George Boulton, 

; now deceased. 

:; jNIr. Peters is a young man of industry and enter- 

t prise, and takes an active interest in everything 

: pertaining to the welfare of his county and com- 



SS 



While attending strictlj^ to his business 
ijiic affairs, he still finds time to encourage and support 
ijt the various worthy enterprises of this locality to 
ifj which his attention may be called. His good busi- 
ig ness talents are well known and appreciated, and 
i:c he is looked upon as one of the future leading 
business men and citizens of Wapello County. • 



ETER UTECHT, deceased, was a highly 
respected resident of Ottumwa. He loca- 
ted in this city as early as the year IS.^H, 
and remained a resident here until the date 
}|:i of his death, in 1884. lie was a native of the Em- 
y} pire of (4ermanj-, and was born in 18.J.4. He re- 
[fl : ceived careful parental training and grew to man- 
: hood in his native country. At the age of twenty 
S j'ears he decided to seek his fortune in the New 
j- C World, and accordingly set sail from the " Fader- 
I 5 land," landing in New York City on the 30th of April, 
y=^i 18.54. From there he proceeded to Buffalo, and in 
18.o6 went to Peoria,, 111. He sojourned there but 
a short time, subsequentlj' visiting Leavenworth, 
Kan., and in 1858 retraced his steps northeastward 
into Wapello Count3% Iowa. Being pleased with 




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this locality he concluded to make it his home, and 
secured employment as clerk in the drug-store of 
Mr. John Pomroy, with whom he remained for three 
years. He was industrious .and economical in his 
habits, and saved his monej% so that at the expira- 5' 
tion of this time he was prepared to embark in { 
business for himself. He was prospered in his un- ^ 
dertaking, and pursued it for a period of twenty- 
three years and- up to the time of his death. 

Mr. Utecht was married in Eddyville, Iowa, Dec. 
24, 1863, to Miss Mary I. Ryan, of Jefferson 
County, Ohio. Mrs. U. was the daughter of John 
and Sar.ah J. Ryan, and was born March 19, 1846. 
Her father was a native of Baltimore, Md., and her 
mother of Ohio. The parental household consisted 
of six children, as follows : Carrie A. is the wife 
of Frank Flanders, of Ottumwa; the others, at 
home, are AVillie E., Laura A., Mamie B., Orra, 
Maude and Bj'ron C. 

In politics Mr. U. was independent in thought 
and action, and cast his influence in support of those 
whom he believed to be the best men, irrespective 
of party. He was a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternitj^, and his funeral services were conducted 
with the impressive ceremonies of that order. He 
was a valued citizen of this communitj^, and his 
name is held in kindly remembrance. 

Mrs. Mary Utecht, the widow of our subject, is 
a highlj^ respected lady, and has wisel3' kept her lit- 
tle household together, training her children in 
those principles which were the groundwork of 
their father's good name and the secret by which 
he gained the respect and esteem of all who knew 
him. 

The lithographic portrait of Mr. Utecht, on an- 
other page, we trust will be recognized as a faithful 
likeness of a worthy and honored citizen. 



,. J MOS O. BILBY, a pioneer resident of the 
WKM Hawkeye State, crossed the Mississippi in 
1847, prepared with his brother pioneers to 
meet and overcome the difficulties alwaj's 
incident to the opening up of a new section of coun- 
tr}'. The time had been brief since Iowa had been 
transformed from a Territorj' into a State, and log 




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'.42 



AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



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cabins were still more plentiful than frame dwell- 
ings. One of the first duties of our subject after 
coming here was the erection of this style of dwell- 
ing upon his tract of eighty' acres of unimproved 
land, and after this was accomplished he vigorously 
set about the tilling of the soil. He was a man of 
great industry and perseverance, and his posses- 
sions to-day are indicative of the success which fol- 
lowed his efforts. He is now jjleasantly located on 
sei^tion 35, in Keoliuk Township, and is engaged in 
tlie joint operations of farming and stock-raising. 

Mr. Bilby was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., 
Aug. I'J, LSI 4, and was the son of Peter and Mar}' 
(Belles) liilby, both also natives of New Jersej'. 
When their son was a little lad six years old they 
cmigr.ated to Indiana, and locating in Franklin 
County, lived there until 1829. They then re- 
moved into Shelby Count}', the same State, and 
our sul)ject remained with his parents until he at- 
tained to years of manhood. In 1834, at the age of 
twenty years, he was married to Miss Malinda J., 
the daughter of John and Nancy (Shipp) Hoagland, 
iJI of Kentucky. The wedding occurred on the 31st 
Ekalr day of October, and soon afterward Mr. B. entered 
} a small farm in Shelby County, Ind., which they oc- 
" cupied until 1847. It was in about its original condi- 
tion when Mr. Bilby took possession of it, and after 
making valuable improvements he sold it to good 

His 



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,, |K,! advantage and then started for the far West 
t iU intended location was Monroe County, Iowa, but 
tt 1, having an old friend in Wapello Count}', he came 
![} |5j here for a visit, and being pleased with the outlook 
Ipraj] in this vicinity decided to locate here. He then 
I jl returned to Indiana after his family, and after a 
lij - jjishort delay started with them for their new home. 
I ■; jj The trip occupied three weeks' time, and they made 
liasll tlieir home that winter with an old friend, Hiram 
]| Cj Lewis. In the meantime his wife was taken ill and 
J'Jfrfemained so until July of the following year. 
: I (^fter her recovery Mr. Bill)y entered eighty acres 
i>f unimproved laud in Keokuk Township, and 
uilt a log cabin into which they removed, and he 
commenced the improvement and cultivation of 
■^is farm. They occupied this humble home until 
(1854, when our subject built a more pretentious 
i-esidence of hewed logs, 18x24 feet in dimensions; 
iTie now feeds his team from a corn-crib built of the 



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logs which formed a part of the first cabin. Later, 
in 18(52, Mr. B. put up a good frame dwelling, two 
stories in height, 18x32 feet in dimensions. He 
has always Ijeen a wide-awake business man, ready 
to avail himself uf any opportunity for turning an 
honest penny, and in 18,")0, finding tliat he had a 
little spare time on his hands, he engaged in run- 
ning a freight line from Keokuk to Ottumwa, thus 
securing cheap transportation for his own farm 
produce and becoming of material assistance to his a K 

neighbors. . 5 1 

3' 1 
The homestead of Mr. Bilby includes 160 acres : i 

of finely improved land, with a tasteful and substan- : 
tial residence, a good barn, and all other necessary : 
buildings required by a first-class agriculturist. : 
The household circle of our subject and his wife J 
has been completed by the birth of eleven children, h*; » 
the record of whom is as follows: George W. is a 3;: 
ranchman near Pueblo, Col. ; John F., a resident 3 
of Appanoose County, Iowa, and a graduate of the 2': 
Keokuk and St. Joseph Medical Colleges, is now a 3i 
practicing physician; Peter M., M. D., is a gradu- »■ 
ate of the Keokuk College of Pliysicians and Sur- 
geons, and is engaged in the practice of his profes- 
sion at Floris, Iowa; Caroline M. died Jan. 12, 
1866, and her remains were buried in Peden Ceme- 
tery, Davis County, Iowa; Francis M. died June 
15, 1850; Nancy L., born March 8, 1855, is the 
wife of Sherman Ewing, and resides on a farm in 
Graham County, Kan.; Amos M., M. D., a gradu- 
ate of the Medical College of Iowa, is a practicing 
physician of Mitchell, Dak.; May I., born Feb. 12, 

1857, died in infancy; Arene J. was born Dec. 13, 

1858, and became the wife of Albert T. Brooks; 
they are now living on the old homestead ; Eliza L. 
was born Feb. 3, 1862, and married James A. .Tohn- 
son, a farmer of Cowley County, Ivan. ; one child 
died in infancy unnamed. The faithful and affec- 
tionate wife, and the devoted mother of these chil- 
dren, after remaining the companion of her hus- 
band for a period of forty-five years and seventeen 
days, departed from the scenes of earth on the 17th 
of November, 1879. She was a devoted member 
of the Baptist Church, with which she became con- 
nected in 1884, but after coming to Iowa cast her 
lot with the Methodists. Mr. B. is also a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he 



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XXXTI XJ I IXTKli > 






WAPELLO COUNTY 



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has been Steward, Class-Leader and Sunday-school 
teaclier for thirty years. 

Since coining to the Hawkeye State Mr. Bilbj' 
has been intimately identified with its industrial 
and agricultural interests. He has been the friend 
and supporter of education, religion and morality, 
and organized the first public school in this district 
in 1849. Six of his eight children have been 
teachers. They are possessed of excellent educa- 
tions and are more than ordinarily intelligent. Mr. 
B. has held the various offices of trust in his town- 
ship, and politically is a firm supporter of the prin- 
ciples of the Democratic party. A handsome lith- 
ographic portrait of Mr. Bilb^^ is shown on another 
page. 




riJ.: 



tiT: 






HEOPHILUS BLAKE, Sr., deceased, one of 
the pioneer settlers of the Hawkeye State, 
came to this county in the spring of 1845, 
and entered a claim upon which the town of Blakes- 
burg now stands, of which town he was the founder 
and which was named after him. When first com- 
ing here he judged that the location would be fa- 
vorable for a village, and very soon afterward be- 
gan marking off town lots from his purchase and re- 
served the balance for a farm. He built the first 
storehouse in this section, and was the leader in 
every measure adopted for its welfare and advance- 
ment. As the settlers came in and the little colony 
began to assume the proportions of a village, the 
township organization was effected and Mr. Blake 
was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he 
held for several years. 

Theophilus Blake, Sr., was born iu Vermont, in 
IT'.li), where he was reared and received his early 
education. After arriving at manhood he went to 
Canada, and was there married to Miss Mar^' 
Adams, a native of the Dominion and one year her 
husband's junior. After marriage they moved to 
Auburn, N. Y., and iu 1836 turned their faces still 
further westward, going to Licking County, Ohio, 
whence, nine years later, they came to Iowa, the 
year before it was admitted into the Union as a 
State. This trip was made overland with teams. 
A great amount of rain fell during this season and 
: they were six weelcs in making the journey. Of 








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their subsequent settlement we have spoken in 
the previous paragraph. They became the parents 
of eleven children, and were accompanied by eight 
olive branches on their jonrue}- to Iowa : Frank is 
now a resident of Shelby County, Iowa ; Charlotte ^ 
and Mary are deceased; Samuel lives in Missouri; 
Theophilus in this county; William H., during the 
late war, enlisted in the 3d Iowa Cavalry, Co. K., 
serving four years, and after the close of the war 
died from the hardships and exposure which he 
had encountered while in the service; Marcia lives 
in Shelby County, Iowa; James enlisted in the 2d 
Iowa Infantry, Co. K, and was killed at Ft. Donel- 
son. Mr. and Mrs. Blake were both members of 'nl'lij 
the Baptist Church, highly esteemed in this com- lg_ ij 
munity, and passed their declining years in the en- 
joyment of the esteem and confidence of those 
friends whom they had gathered around them in 
the years when hardship, toil and privation had 
formed between them a common bond of sym- 
pathy. Theophilus Blake, Sr., departed this life in 
September, 1864; the mother survived her husband 
for sixteen years and died Feb. 1, 1880. 

Theophilus Blake, Jr., son of the foregoing, and 
a resident of this county, was born in Licking 
County, Ohio, on the 29th day of October, 1836. 
He was a lad nine years old when his parents came 
overland to Iowa, and his early education, begun in 
Ohio, was completed in the pioneer log school- 
house of Iowa. He remained under the parental 
roof until his marriage to Miss Margaret Thomp- 
son, which took place May 15, 1859. Mrs. Marga- 
ret Blake was born in Indiana, Jan. 2, 1838. By 
her marriage with our subject she became the 
mother of eight children, three of whom are now 
deceased. Those living are — Olive, Bertha, Sada, 
Lewis and Moses. 

Mr. Blake, with his father, was also a pioneer set- 
tler of Wapello County, and distinctly remembers 
many of the incidents during their long and tedious 
journey hither from Ohio, the wild and desolate 
appearance of the uncultivated prairie, and the en- 
tire lack of conveniences and comforts which the 
people of the present day uniformly demand. He 
recalls the time when the embrj-o town of Blakes- 
burg was platted and the journeys to mill at Bo- 
naparte, "\'an Buren County, sixty-flve miles away. 



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344 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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At one time this journej' was performed by one of 
his brothers who, on account of the weather and 
other incidents, was detained for three weelts, thir- 
teen days of whicli the family had no bread or ba- 
con, the hitter being considered almost indispensa- 
ble to the health of the pioneer family. In 18.51, 
which was a very wet season, the mills were washed 
awa3'. A man in their vicinity, named Hollidaj', 
was the possessor of a hand-mill, and the people of 
this section were obll<red for some time to depend 
upon this meager substitute, which ground verj^ 
slowl}-, and some times ten or fifteen men would be 
standing and waiting their turn at the mill. 

jNIr. Blake with his brothers and sisters were 
carefully trained to habits of industry and princi- 
ples of honor, and in their worth}' lives are doing 
full credit to the teachings of their excellent par- 
ents. 

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p^ EN.TAMIX -TAMES BOULTON, l.-ite of the 
-^ lirm of Boulton Bros., wholesale confection- 
ers of Ottumwa, Iowa, was born in Great 
Yarmouth, county of Norfolk, Fingland, on 
the 12th of March, 1831. He is the son of Benja- 
min and Marj' (Ward) Boulton, natives of the same 
country. He remained under the parental roof un- 
til the age of nineteen j'ears, receiving what educa- 
tion he could b}' attendance at the common schools 
of his native town until eleven years old, at which 
time he was bound out to learn the trade of a ba- 
ker and confectioner, and served a term of six 
years. He received the munificent salary of one 
shilling per week, for the first two j'ears, and his 
wages were then increased to fifty cents a week. 
He had been reared to habits of economy, and dis- 
bursed his money in the most judicious manner 
U possible, much of it being devoted to the purchase 
;} of good and instructive books, whereby he might 
i} become better fitted to cope with the business 
" world and become a man among his fellows. 

At the ago of twenty years, not being satisfied 

g with his condition or his prospects in his own coun- 

tiT) young Boulton determined to emigrate to 

America. He accordingly set sail, and in August, 

1851, found himself walking the streets of New 



York City. His staj' there was comparatively brief, 
and he proceeded to Canaudaigna via Albany, 
where he found employment in a bakery, and re- 
mained steadilj' at one place until 18.54, when he 
purchased .an interest in the business. He assisted 
in operating this, however, only one j'ear, going, in 
18.55. to Dubuque, Iowa, where he set up in busi- 
ness for himself, and continued there for the fol- 
lowing four years. He was not quite satisfied with 
this place as a permanent location, chiefly on ac- 
count of stringent times, brought on by the panic 
of 1857. and in 1859 started out to see something 
more of the Hawkeye State. Coming into Ottumwa 
he at once concluded that he could not do better, and 
verj' soon afterward made arrangements to engage 
here in the wholesale bakery business. There was 
at that time a good field for an energetic man, and 
he started out with encouraging prospects, Ottumwa 
then being the terminus of the C, B. & Q. R. R., 
and consequentl}' a large demand for this kind of 
goods. 

Mr. Boulton put in the first cracker machine ever 
operated in this city, in 1861. It was quite a nov- 
elty, and was well patronized. He also manufactured 
the first candy and fancj' goods of that line made in 
Ottumwa. Retail dealers from all points in that 
vicinity came after loads of crackers and other bak- 
erj' goods, and Mr. B. soon found himself on the 
high road to a competency. He was straightfor- 
ward and upright in his business transactions, 
courteous in his demeanor toward his patrons, 
prompt to meet obligations, and in due time re- 
ceived ample reward for the toils and difficulties of 
his earlier years. He came to this country a poor 
boy, comp.arativeh' without friends, and com- 
menced business without pecuniary assistance. He 
is now the possessor of a handsome propertj', and 
occupies a leading position among the citizens and 
business men of Ottumwa. In politics he is a Re- 
publican, and socially is a member of Laramie 
Lodge No. 230, I. O. O. F. He has passed all the 
chairs, and was elected Deputy Grand Master in 
1864-65. He has been an Alderman in the Fourth 
Ward of the city. The family attends the Episco- 
pal Church. 

The marriage of Benjamin James Boulton and 
Miss Rachel Belle Hobbs was celebrated April 9, 









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1861, in Ottumwa. Mrs. B. is a native of Indiana, 
and was born Feb. 21, 1845. She is of Scotch par- 
entage and ancestry, and a daughter of William 
llobbs, who came to this eountj' before the ^Vav of 
1812, and enlisted as a soldier with the Federal 
forces. 

Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Boulton there have 
been seven children, whose record is as follows: 
Ettie Mary, born Oct. 19, 1862, died Dec. 20, 1866 ; 
James H. was born Nov. 6, 186.5; George Loren, 
Dec. 18, 1867; Laura, Oct. 25, 1869; Annie, Dec. 
14, 1872; Esther L., Sept. 6, 1875, and Lela, Aug. 
21, 1881. The family residence is pleasantly loca- 
ted, anil is the resort of the cultured people of Ot- 
tuniwa. 

.-^^ ''^^- •^---- 

^^\HARLES G. LEWIS, M. D., is numbered 
/r ^_, among the older pliysieians of Ottumwa_ 
^^^ He is a native of Ohio, born in Champaign 
Countj', Oct. 25, 1832. His father, George Lewis, 
was a native of ^'irgima, and a farmer hy occupa- 
tion ; he died in Ottumwa in the seventy-fifth ^-ear 
of his age. His mother, Sophia (Wooley) Lewis, 
was a native of New Jersey ; she also died in Ot- 
tumwa, at the age of seventy-six years. There 
were seven children in the parental family, four of 
whom arc now living: John F. and C. G., of Ot- 
tumwa ; Martha, now the wife of David W. War- 
ner, of Van Buren Countj', and George jNI., who 
also resides in the latter-named county. 

Charles G. Lev^js passed his early life on a farm, 
and received his literary education in the common 
schools. In 1840, when but eight 3'ears of age, he 
came to Iowa with the famil3% and lived with them 
in Van Buren County. At the age of seventeen 
years he commenced reading medicine, with Dr. 
P. Walker as preceptor. He afterward attended 
the medical department of the Iowa State Uni- 
versity, from which he graduated in 1859, after 
which he located at Libertyville, Jefferson County, 
remaining there until 1862, when he was commis- 
sissioned Assistant Surgeon of the .30th Iowa In- 
fantry and served about six months, when he was 
compelled to resign his commission on account of 
hemorrhage of the lungs. Keturuing to Liberty- 
ville, he continued in practice there until 1866, 



when he came to Ottumwa, where he has since con- 
tinued to reside, giving attention to the practice of 
his profession. 

Dr. Lewis has been twice married; first, in 1860, 
to Maria C. Walker, daughter of Dr. P. Walker, 
his preceptor. She died in 1861, and on the lOtli 
of September, 1869, the Doctor married Anna 
Ball, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Ball. She 
was born in Virginia in 1840, but at the date of 
her marriage was residing in Jefferson County, 
Iowa. By this union two children have been born 
— Fred Arthur and Charles B. 

The Doctor is a member of the Wapello County 
Medical Society, of which he has served as Presi- 
dent and Secretarj\ He is also a member of the 
Des Moines Valley Medical Societj-, the Iowa State 
Medical Society, and the American Medical Societj'. 
Dr. Lewis is regarded by the profession and the 
people at large as a safe ph3-sieiau. Politically he 
is a stanch Republican, but takes no vevy active 
part in political affairs, his time being given to the 
jiractice of his profession. 



'■ OSEPH SLOAN, agent for the C, M. & St. P. 
and W. St. L. & P. R. R., and residing at 
Ottumwa, was born in Will County, 111., on 
the 7th day of July, 1844. There he grew 
to maiihood and received his primary education. 
In 1866 Mr. Sloan engaged in the railroad business, 
becoming an emplo^'e of the Chicago & Alton Rail- 
road, eight mouths, as night operator at Pontiac. 
He remained with that company eight j'ears, as 
agent, and then hired his services to the company 
with whom he is at present engaged, and has been 
in their employ since that time. Mr. Sloan was 
married, in 1873, at Alton, 111. Socially he is a 
member of the G. A. R., and also of the Masonic 
fraternity. 



GM. COWGER, M. D., one of the well-known 
and highly esteemed professional gentlemen 
of Wapello County, resides at Marysville. 
He is a native of Rush Count}-, Ind., where he was 
born Dec. 10, 1837. His parents, J. D. and Sarah 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



(Downej-) Cowger, were natives of Ohio and Ken- 
tucky- respectivelj". To them were born a familj' 
of nine children, five of whom were sons. The 
father died Aug. 12, 1 880, and his remains were 
interred at Marj^sville. The mother is still living, 
and although at the age of seventy -seven is enjoy- 



ing good health. 



i| nj lives in Nortim Count}", Kan., ai 
CTpSi Mrs. Iloudyshell, lives in Rice Coi 



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Dr. Cowger was reared principallj- on a farm in 
this county, where his father moved in 1846. At 
that time he purchased 320 acres of raw prairie 
land, upon which he moved and began its improve- 
ment. This, of course, required hard work bj- 
ever}- member of the family. There are three 
Tl H|~ brothers and four sisters of his father's family- now 
R) 111 living: D. H. is a farmer, living in Washington 
County, Kan.; Henry lives in Competine Town- 
ship, and is also engaged in farming; Sarah is mar- 
ried, and lives in this county; Lucinda, now Mrs. 
Bradon, lives in Keokuk County, this State; 
Amauda is now tlie wife of Charles Thompson, and 

and Priscilla, now 
idyshell, lives in Rice County, Kan. 
During the trying days of our country's peril. 
Dr. Cowger enlisted in her defense. He was a 
'" member of Co. E, 17th Iowa Vol. Inf. The first 
engagement was at luka, the next at Ft. Gibson, 
^^1 Miss., and the next at Raymond, the same State, 
11; Pi being; with (hant in liis famous battles on his way 
M I! I to Vicksburg. ^la.y 14, 1863, he took part in the 
yj l! engagement at .Iacks(m, Miss., where he was 
ilsMl wounded in tiie loft hip, wliich was so severe as to 
hi hi require the amputation of the left leg, above the 
s=]ps; knee, which was done uu the morning of the 1.5th, 
- and in the afternoon of the same da}' the Confed- 
erates captured the city of .Jackson. He was thus 
taken prisoner, and remained in charge of the 
,jjjL^ enemy there for four weeks. He was then put in a 
stock car with others, taken to Richmond, Va., and 
consigned to old Libby Prison, a place second in 
ts inhuman treatment oul}' to Andersouville. He 
emained there for two months, when he was ex- 
i3ehanged and sent to Annapolis, Md., and there re- 
mained until the 22d of December, 1863, when he 
was discharged and sent to his home in Wapello 
ounty. 

After his return home our subject began the 
tudy of medicine, since which time he has been 





greatly devoted to his profession, and is regarded 
as one of its most worthy members. He studied 
under Dr. E. H. Downey, of .Jefferson Countj', 
Iowa, for two j'ears, but has ahva3's been quite a 
student, trying to make the most of his honored 
profession. He is a member of the Baptist Church, 
of the I. O. (). F., and, as might be expected, of 
the G. A. R. 

Dec. 11, 1873, Dr. Cowger and Rebecca Good- 
man were united in marriage. To them have been 
born three children, namely : Argolia, who was 
born Feb. 28, 1875; Chester. .Sept. 14. 1878. and 
Nellie, March 27. 1884. 



F. JOHNSON is successfully engaged in 
farming and stock-raising on section 32, 
Polk Township, where he has established 
a comfortable homestead, and is receiving 
as the reward of industry and economj' the good 
things of this life, which he has fairl\- earned. Our 
subject is a native of Scandinavia, and was born in 
Sweden, on the 24th of April, 1826, his parents be- 
ing John P. and Annie (Auguston) Johnson. The 
father died in his native land at the age of fifty- 
three years, and the mother at the age of seventj-- 
five, also in the country of her birth. They were 
the parents of five children — Christina. John A., 
E. P., Eva and A. F. — all of whom are in Sweden 
except the subject of our sketch. 

In 1868, Mr. Johnson, having then become the 
father of a family, was not satisfied witli liis condi- 
tion or his prospects in his native land, and resolved 
to emigrate to the New World. He was a book- 
binder by trade, and had followed this since he was 
a boy of thirteen years ohl until he left his native 
Sweden. In the meantime he was married, in 1861, 
to Miss Louise Jenson, also a native of Sweden, 
born Nov. 26, 1825, and the daughter of Nels and 
Sisley Jenson. Of their union there were two chil- 
dren: A. T., born Jan. 5, 1862, and Ernst Lud- 
wig, Jan. 5, 1865. The}' sailed from the port of 
Stockholm on the 11th of May, 1868, and landed 
at Castle Garden, New York City, on the 8tli of 
June following. They proceeded directly west- 
ward, crossed the Mississippi, and coming into 







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Monroe Count3', Iowa, purchased fifty acres of 
land, which they occupied for two j'ears, and then 
selling- out, removed to Edilyville, where they k)- 
cated for eighteen months, and then Mr. Johnson, 
visiting Wapello County, was so well pleased with 
the appearance of the countrj- in this vicinity that 
he resolved to locate here, and accordingly pur- 
chased thirty-five acres in Polk Township. This 
he occupied for two years, when he sold it and pur- 
chased seventy-five acres in another part of the 
township, and lived upon this ten years. He then 
sold forty-five acres of this, and purchased 120 
on section 32, in the same townshij), which he has 
occupied since that time, and which he has brought 
to a fine state of cultivation. Upon it he has 
erected a good farm residence, an excellent barn, 
and all necessary out-buildings convenient for the 
shelter of stock and the storing of grain. 

The wife of our subject, Mrs. Louise J. Joluison, 
departed this life on the 2d of September, 1886, 
after having been the faithful and affectionate com- 
panion of her husband for a period of twenty-five 
years. She is buried in Munterville Cemeter}', 
Polk Township, and her memory is held in tender 
remembrance by her family and a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances. 

Mr. Johnson has been straightforward and up- 
right in his transactions, and his present possessions 
have been accumulated solely- by the exercise of his 
own industry. He enjo3's in a marked degree the 
confidence and respect of his fellow-townsmen, and 
all the familj' are connected with the Lutheran 
Church. Politically Mr. J. casts his vote with the 
Republican part}'. 



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^ OHN HARDEN is the proprietor of Hard- 
en's Hotel in Agency. He is the fourth of 
a familj' of nineteen children of William and 
(^^JJ Susan (Boone) Harden, the father a native 
of Pennsylvania and the mother of Maryland. Both 
died in the first-named State, the mother in 1875 
and the father in 1882. John Harden was boru in 
Somerset County, Pa., Jan. 14, 1820. He was 
reared on a farm and received but a limited ednca- 



tion. He was married, in Pennsylvania, in 1 848, to 
Mary J. Beard, daughter of John Beard. In 1855 
he left his native State and came to AVapello 
Couutj', where he remained one year, and then 
moved near Libertyville, Jefiferson County, where 
he lived until 1866,aud then returned to this county 
and located at Agency Citj', where he has since 
continued to reside. Mrs. Harden died at Agency 
in 1871, and on the 20th day of July, 1872, Mr. 
Harden conti'acted a marriage with Mary A. Steph- 
ens, widow of James Stephens, and daughter of 
Charles F. Harrow. Our subject's family com- 
prised the following children — George, Jesse, John, 
William, Polly, Catherine, Susan, Alexander, Eliza- 
beth, Lavinia, Lydia, Isaac, Sally, Margaret, Caro- 
line, Perry and James K. ; two died in infanc3^ At 
the present writing Mr. Harden is an invalid, and 
has been such for eight j-ears. He is a member of 
Magnolia Lodge No. 24, I. O. O. F. Politically 
he is a Democrat. 







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EH. SAGE, M. D., a successful physician 
of Agency City, and occupying a good po- 
sition among the profession in this locality, 
was born in Jackson County, Ind., April 3, 1838, 
and is the son of James and Rebecca (Powell) 
S»ge. When a lad of eight years of age he went to 
Clark County, Ind., to attend school, and in 1852 
came with his parents to Fairfield, Jefferson Co., 
Iowa, where he pursued his studies under the tutor- 
shij) of an English gentleman of fine education and 
abilities. 

The father of our subject was a practicing phj-- 
sician, and from him he received his early instruc- 
tion in matters pertaining to his profession. After 
his marriage our subject also pursued his studies 
with his father-in-law, Dr. William Hilton, and in 
1874 attended the Medical College at St. Louis, 
from which he graduated the following year. He 
commenced practice with his father-in-law at Chil- 
licothe. Mo., in 1868, and subsequentl}' went to Ft. 
Smith, Ark., and in 1870, came to Agency Cit^-, 
which he has since made his home, and continuously 
followed his practice. 

The subject of our history was married in 



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348 



WAPELLO COUNTY, 



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Agency City, in 1866, to Miss Mary C. Hilton, and 
they became the parents of two children, one of 
whom, Nellie V.. is deceased ; Driiry H. is six years 
old. Mrs. Mary C. 8age departed this life in Sep- 
tember, 1886, greatly mourned by her family and 
a large circle of friends. She was an amiable and 
accomplished ladj', and an ornament to the society 
of which she was a highly esteemed member. 
Dr. Sage is a member of the Eclectic State Medi- 
nl] cal Society of Iowa and Missouri, and is Examin- 
j] ing Surgeon of the V. A. S. He possesses ac- 
n knowledged ability in his profession, and is widely 
and favorably known throughout this section. He 
is a member in good standing of the I. O. O. F., in 
Magnolia Lodge No. 24, having passed the chair, 
and is also a Scribe of the Y. A. S. 



OBERT AYEST is theseuior member of the 
firm of West & Wing, engaged in the 
n ^ yi\ butcher business at 103 South Court street, 
^©)Ottumwa. His trade is quite extensive, 
WW selling weekly six beeves, six hogs, two calves and 
13^ 111 four sheep. He was born in Yermillion County, 
iP^ Ind., May 3, 1 835, and is the son of James and Isa- 
I'^l bel (Gray) West. His parents moved from In- 
i II diana to Wapello County in 1847, where his father's 
life terminated in 1851 ; his mother's decease oc- 
curred in 1853. They were both natives of Ken- 
^ I tucky. 

At the age of eighteen Robert West commenced 
business for himself, renting a farm and working 
the same until 1855, when he bought I'iO acres of 
unimproved land, on which he made some im- 
|ijL_dji| provements and then sold. He then purchased 
another farm, which he improved and held until 
1858, when he sold a part of the same and com- 
jmenced to feed and ship stock, in which business 
|he continued until 1874, when he commenced his 
present business, which he has since followed with 
success. 

In 1854 Mr. West married Eliza Godfrey, and 
1 to this union four children have been born : Lewis 
iiG., now living in Wyoming Territory, engaged in 



^the cattle business; James K., now in Nebraska on 



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a cattle and sheep ranch ; Maggie, who is the wife 
of John R. Dimmit, and lives in Madison County. 
Iowa: Jennie lives with her parents. In additiim 
to his other propert}' Mr. West owns a half interest 
in seven and a half acres inside of the city limits 
of Ottnmwa. Politically he affiliates with the Re- 
publican party. 



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E. PAGE, a merchant living and doing busi- 
ness in the town of Kirkville, Richland Town- 
Ji ship, carries a stock of general merchandise, the 
average value of which is about $8,000, and has a 
large and satisfactory trade. "Slv. Page is a native 
of Clarke County, Ohio, born Jan. 10, 1843. and is 
a son of James C. and Keziah F. (Harris) Page, the 
former of whom was a native of Kentucky, born 
May 6, 1795, and died July 31, 1886. The mother 
died in 1864. 

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in 
his native State, and on the breaking out of the 
Civil War enlisted as a private in Co. F, 44th Ohio 
Yol. Inf., at Springfield, Ohio, Sept. 17, 1861. He 
re-enlisted at Knoxville, Tenn., in Co. F, 8th Ohio 
Yol. Cav., Jan. 4, 1864, and served until the close 
of the war. He was with the regiment in all of its 
battles and marches ; was captured in A'irginia, and 
taken to Libby Prison in Januar}', 1 865, exchanged 
in Feln'uary, joined the regiment in March, and 
was discharged in August of the same 3'ear. 

On the 25th of February, 1864, Mr. Page was 
united in marriage with Sarah C. Neer, a native of 
Ohio, born July 25, 1844, and a daughter of Isaiah 
and Eliza A. Neer. Her father died in Ohio in 
1879, and her mother is yet living, in Wapello 
County. Mr. and Mrs. Page are the parents of four 
children; Anna C, born Dec. 5, 1864, is now the 
wife of David Waters, and lives in Kirkville; 
Keziah F., born Feb. 15, 1867; Fred C, April 20, 
1873; Ernest D., born March 29, 1882, died Jan. 
27, 1884. 

In addition to his stock of merchandise iNIr. 
Page is the owner of his business property and also 
a dwelling-house in Kirkville. He held the office 
of Deputy Treasurer for a term of two years, at 
which time he lived in Ottumwa. Mr. Page came 



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RESIDENCE OF TIMOTHY T E R R E L , 5EC . 2 9 . RICH LAND TP. 




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RESIDENCE OF J.N. B A R K ER , 5EC.4 • RICHLAN D T P 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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to Kirkville from Ohio iu 1870, and has since con- 
tinued to reside here, with tlie exception of the 
two j'ears mentioned. He and his wife are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch, while lie 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of 
the I. O. O. F. In the latter body he is at present 
tilling the office of Deputy Grand Master of his 
district, and Noble Grand of his Lodge. Polit- 
ically he is a Republican. 



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/ps^ AMUEL BUCHANAN, a highly esteemed 
^^^ resident of Keokuk Township, is a native 
l^/_^) of South Carolina, having been born in 
York District in 1808. When he was a 
little lad of seven years old his parents removed to 
Indiana, where he attained to years of manhood, 
their home being in Clark County until 1832. They 
then removed to Parke Countj', where they re- 
mained until 1844, and from there removed to Jas- 
per County, IU. Our subject had been reared to 
farming pursuits, and had carried on agriculture 
on his own account before going to Illinois, and 
after locating there also opened up and improved 
a farm. In 1854 he determined to go still further 
West, and accordingly crossed the Father of 
Waters, and coming into Wapello County, Iowa, 
settled first in Cass Township, where he leased a 
coal bank, and operated it for four years. He then 
rented a farm in Keokuk Township, and locating 
upon it followed his former occupation until the 
beginning of the late Civil War, in 1861. At this 
time he laid aside his personal interests and 
proffered his services to aid iu the preservation of 
the Union, becoming a member of Co. D, 15th 
Iowa Vol. Inf. He was mustered in on the 1st of 
February, 1862, and participated with his comrades 
in the various engagements which followed. At 
the battle of Shiloh he received a wound by a can- 
non-ball striking a tree near him and tearing off a 
limb which struck him on the head, and left a 
wound which disabled him for further service. He 
accordingly received his discharge, .hi ne 19 of that 
year, and returned home. 

After his return Mr. Buchanan again luc-itcd 
upon his farm, but was unalile to do any work for 



a period of three years following. As soon as he 
had recovei-ed sufficiently to attend to business 
he commenced to prospect for coal in this county, 
and wherever he found it leased the land under 
which it lay, opened the mines, and did a success- 
ful business in coal lauds until 1872. He then 
purchased a tract of land on the southwest quarter 
of section 23, Keokuk Township. This consisted 
of 160 acres, and he at once located upon it and 
commenced the improvements, which he has been 
carrying on since that time in a successful and 
creditable manner. 

The subject of our sketch was married to ^liss 
Sarah Toller in 1832. Mrs. B. was a native of 
Kentuck}', and by her union with our subject be- 
came the mother of five children, as follow-s : Nancy 
Jane married Jasper Poston, a resident of Cass 
Township, w'ho is now deceased; George W. is a 
carpenter and superintendent of a coal business in 
What Cheer, Iowa; Jlargaret married Stephen 
Wilkins, of Keokuk Township: Sarah Ann became 
the wife of Z. Edgington, a coal miner; Amanda, 
Mrs. Isaac Clark, is a resident of Decatur County, 
Iowa. Mrs. Sarah Buchanan departed this life in 
Keokuk Township in 1863, at the age of fiftj'-six 
3-ears, and is buried in Mars Hill Cemetery. She 
was a highly esteemed lady, and a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Mr. Buchanan was married the second time, in 
1872, to Miss Lucinda Shaw, a native of Indiana, 
and of this union there were born six children : 
Wesley Allen, Eliza Lnella, Martha and Corda are 
at home ; Samuel died at the age of one 3'ear ; Amy 
Cloretta is the youngest born. Mr. and Mrs. B. 
are members iu good standing of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

The subject of our sketcii has been prominent in 
the affairs of his community for many years. He 
served four years as Justice of the Peace, has been 
Townsliip Trustee, and was, for a number of years, 
Constable of C.'iss Township. He was census-taker 
in 1880, and during his connection with the church 
here was for a number of years Steward and Class- 
Leader. Politically Mr. B. is an uncompromising 
Prohibitionist, and an earnest worker in the tem- 
perance cause. He uniformly casts his vote with 
the Republican party, is well read and intelligent. 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



and keeps himself posted vipijii matters of general 
interest. 

The homestead of Mr. IJuchanan comprises 200 
acres, is equipped with a good residence and all 
necessary farm Imildings. and he has all the appli- 
ances for the successful carr3'ing on of agriculture. 
He commenced life at tlie foot of the ladder, and 
his present jjossessions are the result of his own in- 
dustry and perseverance. He is fulfilling all the 
obligations of a good citizen, and lias his reward in 
tiie confidence and esteem of his friends and neigli- 
bors. 



'OSEl'Il K. MYERS, a resident of Ottumwa, 
Mild I)e|)uty Sheriff of \Vapcllo Count}', was 
born in Elkhart County, Ind., A|)ril 14, 
1837. He came with his parents to Iowa in 
1842, and continued to reside with them jmtil he 
had attained to the age of manhood, receiving a 
good education in the meantime in tlic primitive 
log school-house of the locality in wliich he 
lived. The first undertaking in which Mr. Myers 
was directly interested that he remembers, w^as that 
of closing out a stock of goods which his brother 
Iji: fij owned, and had left in his hurry to visit the land 
of gold. This stock of goods, our subject, to- 
gether with his father, took to Agency, where they 
closed it out, and soon after Joseph R. became an 
emploj'e as merchant's clerk. In 1863 he went to 
Helena, Mo., and w.as employed as an assistant sut- 
tler in the army until the following spring. His 
employer was ex-Sheriff S. Chaney, who was snttler 
of the 4th Iowa Cavalry, and our subject continued 
in his employ until the close of the war. While the 
C, 15. & Q. R. R. was in force of construction, our 
subject lost all of his savings, and returning to 
Agency he engaged as clerk at |>4o per month, be- 
ing thus occupied two years. He then embarked 
in the lumber, grain, live-stock and agricultural 
implement business, in compau}- with J. M. Mur- 
ray and E. H. Sage, which relation continued for 
about six 3^ears. On account of the failure of 
crops, our subject disposed of his interest as part- 
ner, and became an emploj'e of the firm of Sage <fe 
Co., with whom he continued for about two vcars. 





Mr. Mj'ers' next move was to engage in the live- 
stock business with Mr. Eullen. which relationship 
existed for a year, and then our suliject was em- 
ployed by a packing-house at Ottumwa, au<l was in 
their employ for some three yean, in which capac- 
ity he labored as buyer. 

In March. 188.'), Mr. M^'ers was appointed De])- 
uty Slieritf by J. W. AVorkman, and has continued 
to hold that position until the present time. Mr. 
M\'ers w.as married at Agenc}- Cit}' in 18.54, Miss 
Julia A. Springer, a native of Indiana, becoming 
his wife. Of their union there are two daughters 
yet living, Leonora, wife of John Davis, a resident 
of Agency C'ity, and Cora H., wife of George 
Bryan, of Ottumwa, who is a night trainmaster on 
the C, B. & il R. R. Mrs. ]Myers died in 18.5'J, 
and in 186,'j our suliject formed a second marriage, 
Miss Emma II. Dillon being the other contracting 
party. She was born in Ohio, and bj- her marriage 
with our subject has become the mother of three 
children — Gertrude, Charlie and Guy: the latter 
died at the age of three years. 

Socially Mr. Myers is a member of Magnolia 
Lodge No. 24, 1. O. O. F., and has passed through 
the chairs and also represented his lodge in the 
Grand Lodge. In 1867 Mr. Myers was instru- 
mental in the organization of several lodges in this 
section of the county. He has always taken an 
active interest in the welfare of the society, and 
has probably done as much for the order as any 
man in the count}'. He and his good wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
is one of the old settlers of Ottumwa, and during 
the many years that he has lived here has always 
been identified with e^■ery undertaking that was 
calculated to advance the interests of the cit}' or 
the welfare of its peojile. 



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\fp^iICHARD B. SUTTON, well known in Ot- 
iWr tumwa as " Dick " Sutton, and proprietor 
■j!> \\\ of Dick's Hotel, is one of the most genial 
^^of "mine hosts" to be found an3-where 
within the Ixiundaiy lines, not only of Wapello 
County, but of this State. He w.as born in Jessa- 
mine County, Ky., within eighteen miles of Lex- 



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353 



ington, April 15, 1845, and is a son of David P. 
and Isabella (Reynolds) iSuttou, natives respect- 
ively of ^'^irginia and Kentucky. David P. Sut- 
ton, when a young man, went to Kentuck}', where 
he was married, and built the first frame building in 
Mt. Freedom, Jessamine County, and was appointed 
the fii'st Postmaster in that place, the post-office 
being located at his residence. This first frame 
building was also used as a hall and a general store, 
the people for miles around trading with him, and 
he received pay for his goods onl^' about once dur- 
ing each year. He nevertheless did an extensive 
trade, and was exceedingly successful, and at his 
death, which took place in 1850, had accumulated 
a fine property. 

David P. Sutton was the father of seven chil- 
dren — four daughters and three sons : JNLiry .J. be- 
came the wife of B. J. Smith, and they are living 
in Bloomiugton, Ind. ; Margaret married Tobias 
Slocum, and they are also living in Bloomiugton; 
Martha was united in marriage with William An- 
drew, and they reside in Ohio; Richard is living in 
Ottumwa, and is the subject of this notice; George 
II. resides in St. Louis, and is a railroad conductor; 
and David P. lives in Shelb3'ville, 111. The mother 
of these children was married a second time, .John 
C'oley being the other contracting party, and of 
this union two children were born — Benjamin F., a 
farmer of Woodford County', K}'., and .J(.>hn W., 
deceased. Mr. Coley departed this life in 1854, 
during the terrible cholera scourge of that year. 
Soon after the death of her husband Mrs. Coley 
returned to Lexington for the purpose of educating 
her children, and died there in 185G-57. Three of 
the children were sent to the Orphan's Home. 

Soon after the death of his mother our subject, 
; together with his brothers, George and David P., 

■ went to Evausville, Ind., where they were received 
; into the famil}' of an uncle, and adopted as his 

■ ciiildren. Richard continued to reside with his 
uncle until sixteen j-ears of age, when he was em- 

; ployed on the river during the winter seasons, and 
; during summers was occupied in accompanying a 
- shi>w. In 1.S74 he went to Moberly, Mo., where he 

■ opened a restaurant in the depot, and did quite a 
': good business. In August, 1877, he came to Ot- 
tumwa, and here, in company with Robert .J. Can- 



non, opened a restaurant, conducting the same 
successfully for one year. Our subject then bought 
the right of city bill poster, and subsequently as- 
sumed control of the Lewis Opera House, and while 
thus employed he received two gold-headed canes 
for his efficiency. July 3, 1 8.s4, Mr. Sutton gave 
up the management of the Opera House, with the 
intention of going to Chicago, but abandoned the 
idea, and remained at Ottumwa. 

Richard Sutton was united in marriage with Fan- 
nie Keeler at Alliia, Iowa. She was born in Mon- 
treal, Canada, and after a tour throughout the 
countr}- the newly married couple returned to Ot- 
tumwa, where our subject rented a small hotel with 
fifteen rooms, and engaged in the capacity of "mine 
host." He iias subsequently increased the cajsacitj' 
of his house to fifty rooms, and is doing a good 
business. He is manager of the Turner Opera 
House at the present time and has a lease of the 
same for two years. 




-V ^^ -^^ 

T. CARNES, builder and contractor, resid- 
ing at Ottumwa, and a gentleman of promi- 
nence in that place, was born in Clinton 
County, N. Y., Feb. 15, 1834, and a son of 
Thomas and Ann (Cavender) Carues, of Scotch 
lineage, but natives of Clinton, IS'. Y. The father 
was a farmer by ttccupation, and followed his call- 
ing successfully for many years. They were both 
membeis of the Presb3terian Church, and respected 
by all who knew them. Five children were horn 
of the parental unif)n, three sons and two daugh- 
ters, and of the number three are j'et living: John 
T., the eldest, is the subject of this biography; 
James is a farmer by occuiiation and resides in Ida 
County, Iowa; Edward \Vorthington is Railroad 
Superintendent of the Minneapolis, St. Paul & 
Manitoba Railroad ; Mary M. and Catherine are 
deceased. After the death of Mrs. Ann C. Carues, 
the father of our suliject was a second time mar- 
ried, to Mrs. Marj' Hultz, widow of Joseph Hultz, 
and daughter of Judge William Hultz, a carriage- 
maker of Ottumwa. The father died in 1864, after 
having lived a useful and Christian life, and being 
for mauy years a member of the Christian Church. 



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TTTTTTrTTTTIIIlK n l HIj E 

WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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KKj The subject of this sketch was reared in Fairfield 

^ County, Ohio, and received his education in tlie 
common and lligli School at Carroll >'illage. In 
I80O he removed to ]MontL;onu'ry County, ]nd., 
and was there a resident until lie attained the age 
of twenty-four years. In February, is.")fi, he left 
Indiana for the undeveloped West, and located in 
what is now Fraukliu County, Kan. Here he en- 
gaged his services to old Ottawa, an Indian chief 
of the Ottawas, and subseiiuently formed a partner- 
ship witli him and they did quite a trade witli the 
Indians. Our siiliject was thus occuijicd for aliout 

eighteen months, and while in that portion of Ivan- 

ffl H -sas formed the acquaintance of .John Brown, better 
MfM,] known as Pottawatomie Brown, who was a strong 
Spi-'V advocate of Free .State i)rinciples, and who did 
WA\\, wiiat he could to make Kansas a free .State. To 
^' the reader familiar with the history of that State, 
we need not state that there were dark dajs in her 
iiistor}', and the subject of this notice can pride 
himself on being associated with that element which, 
[S^ in the e.arly history of Kansas, made such a formid- 
2'jl;| able stand for right, and which has subsecjuently 
fla^l became successful throughout tlie entire land. Re- 
Ci hi turning from Kan.sas to Crawfordsville, Ind., he 
^ remained there for a time, and in l.SO.j, at Warsaw, 
that State, he was mairied to Miss Mary A. Kent- 
ner, a native of Mahoning County, Ohio. During- 
the fall of the year our subject was man'ied, he 
came back with liis .young bride to Ottumwa, and 
ij—HI settling down has continued to make this place his 
Tj R home until the present time. 

Soon after coming to this State our subject 
formed a partnership witii Zaciiaria I'ickett, under 
tiie firm name of Pickett it Carnes, architects and 
contractors, and they have erected some of the 
finest structures in Ottumwa, annmg which are the 
Adams and Garfield school buildings, the First 
National Bank, Richards' Block, (inrley's Baker 
Block, the Wood Block, the ^Madison Blcjck and 
tile Potter Block. The i)artMeiship was dissolved 
in the fall of l.s.s.j, and .Mr. I'ickett, at the present 
writing (l,s,s(;) is on a visit to .San Diego, Cal. In 
g politics Mr. Carnes is Republican and cast his first [ 
vote ill Kansas Territory, and at a time when it 
was almost wortii a man's life sliould he let it t>e 
known how he voted. Mr. and Mrs. Carnes are 





both members of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church, 
with which our subject has been connected for 
many years, and has always taken an active inter- 
est in the promotion of the cause of the Master. 
He and his wife have become the parents of three 
children — Cora E., Jessie M. (decseased) and Ed- 
ward K. Soeiall}' Mr. Carnes is a member of the 
JIasonic fraternity, holding fellowship with Ot- 
tumwa Lodge No. 2t)9, and also Clinton Chapter 
No. '.1. 

OIIN L. MILLER, of Ottumwa, has been a 
resident of the llawkeye State since 1855, 
and has worthily' occupied his place among 
J the industries of the city of Ottumwa. He 
is a native of Germany, and was born in Hainstadt, 
Odenwald, .luae 30, 18.55. His parents were .lohn 
and Eva C. Miller, and he was their only child. 
He was deprived of the protecting care of his father 
when little past infancy, and at the age of fourteen 
was apprenticed to learn the tailor's trade, at which 
he served four 3'ears, and then determined t<j try 
his fortunes in the New World. In 1854 he emi- 
grated from his native land, and landed in New 
York Cit}^ on the 16th of May of that year, re- 
maining iu the Metropolis about six months, then 
went to Buffalo, and the following jear cro.ssed the 
Mississippi and came into Iowa. He located in 
Keokuk County and two j-ears later, in 1857, 
visited New Orleans, where he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Caroline A. C. Fleer, on the 14th 
of March, 1858. Mrs. Miller was a native of the 
same county as her husband, and born July 5, 
1838. 

Soon after marriage, our subject and wife came 
to Ottumwa, Iowa, and during the progress of the 
late war, Mr. Miller enlisted as a soldier in the 
Union service, becoming a member of the 36th 
Iowa Infantry. He was mustered in at Keokuk, 
and sent with his regiment to .St. Louis, and thence 
to Helena, Ark., where he was on detached service 
for eight UKjnths. His regiment was then ordered 
to Little Rock, and Mr. Miller received instruc- 
tions to report to Dr. Park, .Snrgeon-in-Chief, by 
whom he was detailed to hospital service for one 
\ear. Soon afterward all detached men were or- 



S53 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



ilerecl to their regiments by Gen. Steele. Mr. 
Miller after reporting at headquarters, was ordered 
ti) report to Dr. Sawj-er, Surgeon-in-Chief of the 
division, who appointed him Acting Hospital Stew- 
ard at Camden. He then returned to St. Charles, 
and from there was detailed for dutj- at the gen- 
eral hospital, where he remained three months. 
Thence he went to the hospital at DevalFs Bluff, 
where he remained until September, 186.5, the close 
of the war. He was then sent to his regiment to 
be discharged with his comrades, having served 
three years, and receiving the approval of his su- 
perior officers. 

After his return from thearmj' Mr. Miller joined 

his family in Ottumwa, and engaged in farming, 

which occupation he followed for nine years. His 

health then failing, he abandoned this to engage in 

the grocery business, which he conducted until 

1884. At this time, on account of the illness of 

his wife, he did not eng.age in any business for 

over ten months, giving to her his entire time and 

attention, day and night, until she w.as relieved 

from suffering bj' deatli on the 19th of .Tune, 1885. 

; Mrs. Miller was a highly esteemed C^liristian lady, 

I and was greatly mourned by her husband and a 

I large circle of friends and acquaintances. She was 

; prominently connected with the German Methodist 

; Episcopal Church for many years, and in lier daily 

; walk and conversation exemplified all the Chris- 

■ tian virtues. Her remains were interred in the 

: cemetery lot belonging to her husband. No. .58, 

: block 2. Mr. and ]\rrs. Miller were the parents of 

: one child, which died in infancj'. 

EONARD KNOX, one of the thrifty farm- 

5) ers and stock-raisers of Columbia Township, 

^ has been a resident of Iowa since the fall of 




1847, coming here when a young child with his 
parents from Logan County, Ohio, where he was 
born on the 30th of January, 1843. He is the son 
of Peter and Mary H. (Peach) Knox, the father a 
nativ^ of Greenbrier Count}', Va., and the mother 
of Logan County, Ohio. His father was a man of 
fine abilities, who, during the summer seasons was 
engaged in agricultm-al pursuits, and in winters 



taught school in Ohio until the time of his removal 
to this State. After crossing the Mississippi he 
purchased 312|^ acres of wild land in Columbia 
Township, this county, and became one of the most 
thrifty and well-to-do farmers, and his land at the 
time of his death was under a fine state of cultiva- 
tion. He departed this life on the 7th of Decem- 
ber, 1878, and by his death tlie community lost one 
of its most valued members. 

During the earlier 3'ears of his life Peter Knox 
was identified with the old Whig party, but after- 
ward afttliated with the Republicans. He was 
elected to the offices of County Treasurer and Re- 
corder, and in 1863 was the successful candidate 
on the Republican ticket for Representative in the 
General Assembly of the State of Ljwa. Two years 
later he was re-elected, on the Republican ticket, 
and did good service for his constituents during 
his connection with the Legislature. He was a kind 
and indulgent parent, and at his death was greatly 
lamented by those who had known him best. The 
parental household consisted of nine children, of 
whom the record is as follows ; .Jessica became the 
wife of W. M. King, a farmer of Columbia Town- 
ship, residing on section 27 ; Leonard is the subject 
of this sketch; Elizabeth, now deceased, was the 
wife of B. F. Gordon, a farmer of Monroe County, 
this State; Mary died at the age of three years; 
William and .T. W. died in infancy; Ellen became 
the wife of Vt'. M. Peatman, a real-estate agent of 
Ceuterville, Appanoose County; Emma May and 
Elsie are deceased. The mother of these children 
makes her home with her children. She is now 
sixt3'-six 3-ears of age, a well-preserved old lady, 
who is beloved by her family and held in the high- 
est respect by a large circle of friends and ac- 
quaintances. 

Leonard Knox lived with his father on the farm 
and attended the school of that vicinity until he 
had attained the age of nineteen years, and then, 
the late war being in progress, he enlisted as a Un- 
ion soldier in the 36th Iowa Infantry, and participa- 
ted in all the engagements of iiis regiment and the 
other vicissitudes of war until the close. At the 
battle of Mark's Mills, in Arkansas, he was captured 
liy the rebels and taken into Texas, where he was 
confined in the rebel prison at Tyler, where he re- 







35C 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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mainefl from the ioth of April, 18Gt, until tlie 2oth 
of Feliiuaiy following, in the meantime suffering 
all the privations, exposure and iiartlship incident 
to the life of a faptive in the rebel pris(m. He was 
tinally exchanged and sent to New Orleans, whence 
he was allowed to return home on a furlough of 
tliirt_v da3's. At the expiration of this time he re- 
joined his regiment at St. Charles, Ark., whence 
they marched to Devall's Bluff and were dis- 
charged on the 24th of August. Mr. Knox tiien 
returned home to his peaceful farm pursuits, and in 
due time became possessor of a good tract of land, 
where he established a comfortable and permanent 
home. His farm estate now consists of 173 acres, 
with a commodious two-story residence, good 
barns and out-buildings, and everything necessary 
for the carr3-ing on of agriculture in a fij'st-class 
manner. His farm implements and machinery are 
after the most improved pattern, and his orchards, 
stock and beautiful fields proclaim at once the su- 
pervision of an intelligent and enterprising mind. 
The marriage of Leonard Knox and Miss IMary 

E. Sackett took place Nov. 8, isfSo. ]Mrs. K. was 
born in Huntington County, Ind., on the 30th of 
November, 1 84.5, and is the daughter of Alexander 
and C. C. (Gilbert) Sackett. Mr. and .Mrs. K. 
have become the parents of five childran, viz. : 

F. E., born Oct. 22, 1861;; W. E., May 3, 1868; 
the third child, a daughter, died in infancy; Elsie 
D. was born Sept. 18, 187.T, and Kate B., Ang. 1, 
1880. 

In 1872 Mr. Knox, believing that he could ad- 
vance his interests by a removal to Kansas, rented 
his fai-m, and going to the " Grasshopper " State, 
purchased 300 acres of railroad land in Ellsworth 
County. In addition to this he pre-empted 160 
acres, and opened up a farm. Me remained there 
until tiie following year, and was then elected one 
of the County Commissioners, which office he filled 
with credit to himself and satisfaction to all con- 
cerned. He lived in Kansas until 1874, and then, 
disposing of his landed interests, removed back to 
the old farm in Wapello Countj', becoming satis- 
fied in his mind tiiat the Havi-kej'e .State was a good 
enough place in which to spend the remainder of 
liis days. He is a man who takes pride in his work, 
and in the status of his community and county. 



He is actively interested in public and political 
matters and has held various offices in his townshii). 
Politicall3' he is an uncompromising Democrat, and 
whenever possible is a regular attendant of the 
various county and State conventions of his party. 
The sum and substance of his history is that he is 
an honest man and a good citizen, and fulfills all iiis 
obligations to the best of his ability. 

^^, AMUEL RANDALL, of Green Town- 
^^^ shii). who is held in high respect as a citi- 
]il/_^ zen and business man, is a native of Mary- 
land, and was born in 1822. His parents 
were Joshua and Dorothea (.Tones) Randall, both 
natives of JIar3land. While an infant his parents 
removed from their native State to Wheeling, W. 
Va., remaining there, however, but a short time. 
Thence thej- went to Pittsburgh, Pa., and resided 
two or three j'ears, and from there moved to Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, where the subject of our sketch was 
reared and educated. Joshua Randall was a cooper 
by trade, and removed to Dayton, Ohio, and after 
a brief residence at Middletown, that State, re- 
turned to Queen Cit}', where the mother departed 
this life in 1839, at the age of forty-two j'ears. 
About two years after this sad event Samuel, our 
subject, went to Darke County, Ohio, and was em- 
ployed as a farm laborer until the spring of 1848. 
The Mexican War being then in progress, he enlisted 
as a soldier and served six months. He then re- 
turned to Darke County and learned the carpen- 
ter's trade, in which he was occupied for three 
years, or until 1854. He then determined to tr}- 
his fortunes in the Far West, and accordingly 
crossed the Mississippi into Wapello County, and 
entered eightj- acres of land on section 9, in Green 
Township. The land was unimproved and uncul- 
tivated and he set himself diligentlj' to till the soil. 
He was successful in his undertakings, and was soon 
rewarded by the picture of smiling meadows and 
growing gi'ain, and in time had established a com- 
fortable homestead, with a good dwelling, barns 
and outhouses, and in his later days is enjo\'ing the, 
fruit of his early labors and frugality. 

Mr. Randall w^as married, in 1851, to Miss Hester 






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5.^! 







WAPELLO COUNTY. 



; ■: Bern-, of Ohio, a daughter of James and Mary (Reid) 
jj E Beny. Of this union there have been born eight 
■^ : children, the record of whom is as follows: John is 
(H : a farmer of Green Township; Dorothea is the wife 
.;■ : of William Hendrick, also of Green Township; 
jj : James is occupied in farming in this vicinity ; Mary 
^ : is the wife of Munford Cloyd, of Adams Town- 
({; ; ship; Thomas, George and Charlie are at home. 
Mr. Randall has been prominent in the affairs of his 
township, serving as School Director, Road Super- 
visor, Township Clerk and Assessor. He is Demo- 
cratic in politics, and was elected Justice of the 
Peace in the fall of 1886. He commenced life a 
poor boy, and made his way independent of any 
assistance except his own strong hands and e<iin-- 
ageous heart. 

The father of Samuel Randall died in 1878, at 
the age of eighty-four years, and the mother at the 
age of forty-two. Tliej^ were both connected with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and left behind 
them a record of good deeds. The elder Randall 
had been quite an extensive traveler, having been 
over the greater portion of seventeen States, and 
during his residence of thirtj'-five years in this 
county built np for himself a reputation as an hon- 
est man and a good citizen, the encourager and 
promoter of education, temperance and morality, 
and left a good influence upon all those with whom 
he associated. His name is still held in kindly re- 
membrance by those who knew him best and valued 
him according to his just deserts. 



ylLLlAM H. MIX, of Eldon,Iowa,a highly 
respected citizen of Wapello County, 
crossed the Mississippi in 1867, and settled 
in the Hawkeye State. He first located in Xan Buren 
County, where he lived until 1872, engaged in 
mercantile pursuits. He then removed to Eldon, 
and established the business which he is now oj)- 
erating successfully and profitably. His stock con- 
sists of general merchandise, and by his straight- 
forward dealings he has secured a large and stead- 
ily increasing patronage. 

The subject of nur sketch was born in Warsaw 
Wj-oming Co., N. Y., in 1840, and is the son of 



Charles K. and Caroline (Worden) Mix, also na- 
tives of the State of New York. His grandfather 
was of French nativity, and came to America with 
La Fayette during the Revolutionary War as a 
soldier under the colonial Government. After in- 
dependence had been established he settled in Con- 
necticut, being the only representative of his fam- 
ily in this country' and from whom descended tiie 
various members of the present familj-. 

William H. Mix left the parental roof at the age 
of twenty' years for the purpose of traveling over 
different States, but soon afterward Ft. Sumpter 
was fired upon b}' the rebels, and patriots all over 
the countrj'^ were proffering their services for the 
preservation of the Union. Young Mix at once 
abandoned his personal plans and interests, and en- 
listed as a soldier in the 2d New Hampshire Li- 
fantry, April 21, 1861, serving with this regiment 
two and a half years. He was then promoted First 
Lieutenant, and held his commission for three 3'ears, 
in the meantime having been sent to the frontier near 
the Mexican line. He was in the first battle of Bull 
Run, and at Williamsburg was wounded in the neck. 
He also participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, 
the seven daj's' battle at Champion Hills, and at Get- 
tj'sburg, where he was wounded in the left breast. He 
was in the battle of the Wilderness and at the mine 
disaster at Petersburg, where he was wounded in 
both legs, captured by the rebels and taken to 
Columbia, S. C, being confined in that city. His 
release was finally procured, and he recovered 
from his wounds, being able to rejoin his regiment 
and go to Mexico, as before stated. At the close 
of tlie war he received an honorable discharge, and 
returned home, after which he set his face west- 
ward, and came to the Hawkeye State. 

Mr. Mix was married, in Portsmouth, N. H., 
March 8, 1863, to Miss Susan Yeaton, of Ports- 
mouth, N. H. Of this union there were born three 
children : Winnifred C. and Katie Y., now attend- 
ing school in Boston, and Moses K., at home. Mr. 
Mix was the second time married, in April, 1877, 
to Miss Josephine Nichols, a native of Jasper 
County, Iowa, and of this union there were also 
three children — Elmer S., William Edgar and Frank- 
lin H. They occupy a handsome residence located 
on Railroad avenue, and their large circle of friends 




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WAPELLO COT^NTY. 




and acquaintances embraces the hest class of citi- 
zens in this commiinitj'. Mr. M. is still connectecl 
with the Free-\yill Baptist Chnicli. of Dale, Wy- 
oming Co., N. Y., and sociall.v is a member of the 
O. A. R. Post No. 73, of Kldon. 



|i--l ^f^SQUrUK DANIEL CARL, a pioneer settler 
of \\'a|)ello Countj', is a native of Pemis}'!- 
vania, and was born in Perry County April 
■>7, 1819. His parents were David and Catharine 
(Snyder) Carl, of German descent, and natives of 
Chester County, Pa., the father born Nov. 12, 1792, 
.and the mother Nov. 10, 1793. They were mar- 
ried in Perry County, Pa., and David Carl carried 
on the business of carpenter and miller combined. 
Tiie parental household consisted of five sons and 
three daughters, the record of whom is as follows : 
Lsaiah, born .Ian. 30, 1814, lives in Niagara County, 
N. \'.: John, born May 27, 1816, is in Livingston 
County, Mich.; Daniel is the subject of our sketch; 
Rebecca, liorn Feb. 21, 1822, died in about 1853; 
Jacob, born March 18. 182.'), is in Livingst(.in 
County, Midi; Elizabeth, Mrs. Knapp, born April 
14, 1828, lives in Michigan; Henry, born May 21, 
1H31, served as a soldier in the late war, in a Mich- 
igan regiment, and was killed in front of Rich- 
mond; Mary A., Mrs. Hildebrand, w.as born Feb. 
8, 1834; Andrew J., born Jan. IS, is;;7, was also 
killed at Richmond. 
^^ In l.s2() Mr. Carl removed with his family from 

I' Peinisylvania to Seneca County, N. Y'., thence he 
j_i went to JVIichigan and located in Livingston County, 

i! which remained his home until his death, in 1858. 
Soon after his marriage came on the War of 1812, 
and Mr. Carl served as a soldier until the close of 
that struggle. Mrs. C. survived her husband 

ji twenty-seven years, and died in Livingston County, 

]i Mich., at the advanced age of ninety-two yeai-s. 
They were 1joth members of the Presbyterian 
Church. Mr. Carl was a Jackson Democrat, a 
prominent man wherever he made his home, and 
held various local offices. 

Daniel Carl was only seven years of age when his 
parents removed from Pennsylvania to the Empire 



State. He received a common-school education in ■ 
Seneca and Morgan Counties, N. Y'., and in 1842 ! 
enlisted in the regular army, at Lockport, N. Y., I 
in the 4th United States Artillery, joining his regi- ■ 
ment at Buffalo Barracks. The following June ■ 
they were sent to Governor's Island, N. Y., thence • 
to Ft. Monroe, and from there to Mexico. There ; 
thej^ participated in the battles under (Aen. Taylor, i 
where our subject completed his term of enlistment, ! 
and was mustered on t in the latter part of Januarj', i 
1847. He then came into Wapello County, Iowa, i 
and located in Adams Township on section 18, 
where he took up a tract of land and improved a 
farm. He occujiied this for about ten years, in 
the meantime having removed his family hither, 
and in 18oG moved to Blakesburg, where he has 
since resided. 

Daniel Carl was united in marriage with Miss 
Elizabeth Tinslej% in this county, on the 29th of 
February, 1848. Mrs. Carl is the daughter of 
Thomas and Sarah (Robertson) Tinsley, who were 
among the early settlers of this count}^ She was 
born in Shelliy County, Ky., July 30, 1825, and 
has become the mother of Ave children, viz. : Will- 
iam H., born in Shelby County, Iowa, Jan. 31, 
1849; Mary E., Mrs. Daniel Lewis, was born March 
16, 1851, and now lives in Central City, Col.; 
Harvey, born Dec. 9, 1853, is also in Colorado; 
Lucinda married George W. Hull, and lives in 
Denver; Thomas, born March 10, 1859, is a resi- 
dent of Shelby County. Iowa. 

In polities Mr. Carl is a standi Democrat, and 
has held various offices of trust in his township, 
having been Justice of the Peace for over twenty- 
eight years. He has been Notary Public for twelve 
years, and is Treasurer of the school fund. Dur- 
ing the early days of his settlement here he expe- 
rienced all the vicissitudes of pioneer life, going 
long distances to mill and to market, and when 
these privileges were destroyed by reason of higli 
water, the mills being carried away, lived like his 
neighbors — upon ground corn and a limited amount 
of bacon. He has received his reward, however, 
in beholding the growth and development of his 
adopted State, and feels a just pride in being a 
resident of the great commonwealth, which has be- 
come one of the most wealthy and populous districts 



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along the Mississippi Valley. In common with the 
other pioneers who are passing awaj' he is held in 
peculiar veneration and respect for what he has ac- 
complished as a factor of the industrial and agri- 
cultural interests of Wapello County. 



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ON. PETER G. BALLINGALL, prom- 
inent among the representative men of the 
county, and one of the leading hotel men 
of the State, at present a resident of Ot- 
tumwa, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, March 3, 
1830. He is the son of P. and Martha (Smith) 
Ballingall, both of whom were also natives of Scot- 
land. The father was Itorn in Ayers and died in 
1832 in his native land. The mother was born in 
Glasgow. They became the parents of one child 
onl^', the subject of this sketch. After the death 
of the father, the mother contracted a second mar- 
riage, with James Hodge, who was born in P^din- 
burffh, Scotland. This union resulted in the birth of 
nine children, only three uf whom are living: 
David, a resident of Ottumwa, who was born in 
Glasgow; N. J., the widow of W. P. Phillips, who 
was born in Philadclpliia, Pa., and died in 1805, in 
that city ; the third is JNIartha K. 

At the .age of seven years our subject, in com- 
pany with his mother and stepfather, came to Amer- 
ica, landing at Quebec after a voyage of several 
weeks. In crossing the Atlantic the entire family 
were seized with illness, one brother dying and re- 
ceiving an ocean burial. From (Quebec the familj' 
went to Montreal, and thence to Port Hope on the 
banks of Lake Ontario. After a short sojourn 
there his mother, brother and himself walked four- 
teen miles to Brighton, .ind from there proceeded to 
Helderman Four Corners, where our subject e.irned 
his first money selling matches. Before he was 
eleven jears old he walked from Coburg, seventy- 
three miles V)elow Toronto, to Chicago, b3' a round- 
about wa}', which involved a distance of seven or 
eight hundred miles. After arriving he was em- 
plo3'ed in various capacities at different hotels, and 
proved himself peculiarlj' adapted to this calling. 



He advanced from one position to another, and in 
the course of time was appointed Receiver of the 
Lake House, which position he filled acceptably lui- 
til 1855. LTpon leaving he was presented with a fine 
gold watch, the letter accompanying it being signed 
by some of the most prominent men in the city. 

After leaving the Lake House Mr. Ballingall 
spent three months in traveling, going through 
most of the Southern States, and while off the coast 
of Cape Hatteras was driven by a storm to the 
Bermuda Islands. After reaching terra firma again 
and visiting the East, he came to Chicago and 
opened the Briggs House, whence, after a few 
months he came West to Galesburg and became iP 
proprietor of the Haskell House. The following ^- 
year he closed out his interest in this and visited 
Minnesota, where he purchased a tract of land, and 
thence, in the fall of 1856, came to Keokuk, Iowa, 
as manager of the Ivins House. The following- 
year he removed to Bentonsport and opened the 
Ashland House, thence to Fairfield, and from there 
to Agency City, where he opened the Revere 
House. Here he met with a serious loss, having his 
valise stolen, with a valuable collection of rare coins 
and the watch that had been presented to him in 
Chicago. In the summer of 1 850 he still moved 
on with the terminus of the railroad, to Ottumwa. 
Since coming here he has been the life of the town, 
having gathered from his removals and his experi- 
ences a valuable fund of information and making 
manj' useful and pleasant acquaintances with public 
men. During this time also he exhibited the great 
energy of character which is one of his chief pe- 
cidiarities. In connection with his hotel operations 
he had at one time seventeen Government licenses 
for separate and distinct branches of business, all 
of whicli he made successful. For nine years he 
was proprietor of the stage line from Ottumwa to 
Bloomfleld. and during that long period, through 
sunshine and storm, never missed a trip. In 1870 
the railroad crowded his stage line off the track and 
he withdrew his stock. Since that date he run a line 
to Sigourney, a distance of thirtj'-two miles, until 
the completion of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul Railroad, when that, too, was withdrawn. 

In 1804 Mr. Ballingall erected the Ballingall 
House on the corner of Alain and Green streets, 



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which he operated for ten years. He then leased 
this l)iit retained the management i)f the Depot 
Hotel. As this work goes to press he is contemjilat- 
ing the rebuilding or remodeling of the Balliiigail, 
and making it one of the handsomest and most 
convenient public houses in the West. 

VViiile never an aspirant for ollioial position Mr. 
B. has frequently been honored by his party and his 
fellow-citizens with local office. For man}' years 
he has Ijeen a member of the State Democratic 
Central Committee, and has contributed liberally 
of his time and money to advance the interests of 
his party. He was a member of the (leneral As- 
sembly of Iowa in 1883. Previous to this, how- 
ever, he was elected Alderman of the cit}' t>f Ot- 
tumwa and re-elected several terms after. He orig- 
inated many of the improvements of the city, and 
urged them with a zeal tli.at insured success. In 
the spring of 1873 he was nominated for Mayor, 
but was obliged to decline the honor on account of 
ivate business. He had also been nom- 
Senator on the Democratic ticket, and 
ran over 100 votes ahead of liis ticket, and 
against a i)arty majority of over 200, was beaten 
by (mly 109 votes. On the 18th of March, 187.'], 
he was presented with another flue gold watch an<l 
chain of superb workmanship, elegantly engraved 
with the following inscri})tion : "Hon. P. (i. Bal- 
lingall, b_y his guests at Soldiers' Reunion at Des 
Moines, 1870, and other friends in Iow:i, in token 
of esteem." Prior to this a chain manufactured to 
order in New York was presented him by "The 
Citizens of Ottumwa." Both these gifts are ex- 
ceedingly valuable in more respects than one. 

Later, Mr. Ballingall visited the West for rest 
and recreation, spending about six weeks on the 
Pacific coast, and ui)on his return interested him- 
self in organizing the militia of Iowa. In this, as 
in the greater part of his undertakings, he dis- 
tinguished himself and was appointed Major of 
the .■)th Regiment in 187G, being promoted two 
3'ears later to Colonel. He was soon afterward 
presented with a gold-mounted sword by the Sheri- 
dan (luards. The following year he was elected 
Alajor-fieueral, but the Governor assuming a super- 
vi.sory power tt> revise the returns, placed his com- 
petitor in the place to which he was legally elected 




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by the organized citizen soldiery. The officers and 
soldiers of the different brigades testified in many 
ways to their belief in his just claims by banquets 
in his honor, and notably in one case by the present- 
ation of a magnificent badge set with precious 
stones. 

As a hotel man Mr. Ballingall has taken an inter- 
est in everything pertaining to the business, and was 
principally instrumental in securing the present law 
f(;r the [irotectiou of landlords. He was elected 
the first President of the Hotel Keeper's Association 
in 1878, and has been annually re-elected since that i 
time. In 1881 he was presented with another val- 
uable gold chain, consisting of forty-six fiat links, 
on either side of which is the name of a hotel and 
its landlord. This costly gift was manufactured by 
Tiffany, of New York City, at a cost of *;4()0, and 
|)resented by the Association. 

In the three last National Democratic Conven- 
tii^nsCol. B. had charge of the Iowa delegati(jn, and 
in appreciation of his services the delegates at Chi- 
cago presented him with a cross and star set with 
diamonds, engraved with the coat-of-arms of the 
State of Iowa. The Wapello County Agricultural 
Society selected Col. Ballingall for its first Presi- 
dent, and he devoted much time and means for its 
advancement. Indeed there are few public enter- 
prises in which he has not been actively interested 
and has contributed generously of his time and 
means. He is naturally industrious and has been 
an incessant worker, fre(iuentl3' devoting from fif- 
teen to nineteen hours a day to his business affairs 
and jMiblic enterprises. 

In the spring of 1 88(i Col. B. made a trip to Eu- 
rope, visiting England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, 
France, Italy, Austria, Prussia, Bavaria, Holland, 
Belgium, and minor Provinces, and at this time 
(January, 1887) he is making a trip aiouud the 
world, sailing from San Francisco, and intending to 
visit Australia, China, .Japan, and all other points 
of interest in the Old World. On his return from 
his first trip to Europe a banquet was given in his 
honor at the Ballingall Hon.se, which was partici- 
pated in by hundreds of his fellow-citizens, without 
regard to party or creed. 

The subject of our sketch is a lirilliant illustra- 
tion of what may be accomplished liy energy, in- 





S5^^ 




iHcVj^-da 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



365 



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(lustry and resolution. He was thrown upon his 

own resources at an early age, and has arisen to his 

i;;5 present position by the exercise of his own native 

ifiS talent, and has not onl^' succeeded in acquitting 

|g himself with honor, but has been the means of giv- 

■ ing employment to hundreds of people by the pub- 

< lie enterprises which he has inaugurated, which re- 
quired the erection i)f buildings, the institution of 
public improvements, and the distribution of monej". 
Amid all the honors which have been heaped upon 
him he has preserved his natural simplicity of char- 
acter .and never consciously commits a questionable 

;J3 act in order to gain public applause. The portrait 
! of Mr. Ballingall, which accompanies this sketch, 

< will be heartil3' welcomed .ind appreciated by his 
many friends, as well as that of his sister, Mrs. 

H Phillips. 

■^ AMES McCLURE, a prosperous farmer and 
stock-grower on section 5, Richland Town- 
ship, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, 
in 1818, and is a son of Robert and Jenny 
(.Johnson) McClure, botii of whom were natives of 
Ireland, and there died wlien our subject was qidte 
young. In 1845 James left his native country for 
; America. lie crossed the ocean in a sailing-vessel, 
J ; ; and was twenty-eight days in making the voyage. 
He landed at New York Cit}', from which place he 
went to Pittsburgh, Pa., and there remained until 
1867, when he came to ^V'apello County-, and pur- 
chased the farm on which he now resides. He 
bought 150 acres of land, for which he paid ^5,000. 
During the greater part of the time he resided in 
Pittsburgh he was engaged in mercantile business 
and in peddling dry-goods and jewehy through the 
S country. 

b After settling in this county, in 1867, Mr. Mc- 
UjC dure was united in marriage with Margaret M. 
McCullough, born in Westmoreland County, Pa., 
March 18, 1834, and the daughter of David and 
Mary (Rice) McCullough. Her mother died in 
Kirkville, July i'J, 1865, and her father in the same 
place, Sept. 29, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. McClure have 
one child, Mary J., born June 2!), 1868. The farm 
upon which Mr. McClure resides is one of the best 
in Richland Township, and is well improved in 



every respect. Mr. and Mrs. McClure and daugh- 
ter are members of the Presbyterian Church. Po 
litically he is a Republican. 



WILLIAM COWLEY has been a resident of 
the Hawkeye State for over thirty years, 
and has witnessed its development and prog- 
ress with the interest of a worthy and enterprising 
citizen. He is now a resident of Eddyyi'le, having 
come here in the spring of 1856. His first employ- 
ment in this vicinity was in the sawmill of John 
Leggett, where he spent one summer, and then pur- 
chased a lath machine, which he ran until the fol- 
lowing winter and then engaged as clerk in the store 
of Butcher & Cox. The firm afterward dissolved 
partnership, and Mr. Cowley continued in the em- 
ploy of the senior member until he was given the 
management of the business, a position which he 
still occupies. Thej' are principally engaged in the 
bujdng and shipping of wool, and in money -loan- 
ing. Mr. Butcher being a bachelor, has for some 
years made his home with our subject, and their re- 
lations are of the most pleasant and amicable char- 
acter. 

Mr. Cowley was born in jNIontgomery County, 
Ind., March 25, 1831, and is the son of Mathewand 
Nancy Cowlej'. His father died when he was a 
young boy, and he removed with his mother to 
Illinois, where they spent the winter, and thence to 
Wapello Count}', in the spring of 1 844. They set- 
tled seven miles east of Agcnc3',and purchased 160 
acres of land, which they sold soon afterward, and 
our subject returned to Mercer County, 111., where 
he had previously lived. In this latter place he 
made his home with his brother-in-law, James 
Duncan, until 1854, when he returned to Iowa and 
spent the following winter of 1855 in Polk County, 
thence coming to Eddyville as previously stated. 

Mr. Cowley received his early education in the 
log school-house of his native State. As may be 
supposed his early advantages were limited, but he 
kept his eyes open as to what was going on in the 
world around him, and now bears fair comparison 
with many men who have taken a course in a col- 
legiate institution. He was at one time employed 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 






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as !i raftsman on the Mississippi River, and floated 
lumber from Stillwater, Minn., to St. Louis, Mo., 
for a period of four 3'ears, being ino.<t of the time 
in tlie employ of Hanks Bros., of Albany, 111. 

The marriage of Mr. Cowley and Miss Anna 
Thompson took place on the 21st of June, 1860. 
Mrs. C. was born in Ohio, and by her union with 
our subject became the mother of one son — Grant, 
who wa.s born .Tune •2<J, 1.SG4, and is now a prosper- 
ous jeweler of Eddyville. Mr. Cowley was elected 
Assessor in 1870, which position he filled for seven 
successive years, and has held most of the minor 
otliees of his town and township. For four years 
past he has been Justice of the Peace, and was at 
one time Mayor of Eddyville. Socially he is con- 
nected with the A. F. & A. M., has been Secretary 
of his lodge for a number of years, and Master for 
four years, having held some office since first be- 
coming connected with the fraternity. Our subject, 
in politics, is Republican, and takes an active inter- 
est in all matters pertaining to the general welfare 
of his county and community. Beside his town 
residence he owns 195 acres of land in Monroe 
County, and is in good shape to extract a large 
amount of enjoyment from the good things of life. 



■ D. SOMERS lives in the city of Ottumwa, 

Eand is book-keeper and manager of the ag- 
ricultural warehouse of John Fullen. He 
was born in Hancock County, 111., March 25, 1855, 
and is a son of Albertus and Caroline Somers, the 
former a native of (Germany and the latter of Ver- 
mont. In 1859 the family moved from Hancock 
County, 111., to Davis County, Iowa, where they 
remained two j-ears, and then moved b.ack to Han- 
cock Countj'. In 1867 they again returned to 
Davis County, Iowa, remaining there one .year, and 
then moved to Jones Countj', Iowa, where thej' re- 
mained ten 3-ears. The father is now living, and 
doing business in Minneapolis, Minn. ; the mother 
resides in Ottumwa. 

The subject of this sketch is one of a familj' of 
six children, and is second in order of birth. The 
otliers are : Ella E., who was married to J. N. Ellis, 
but is now deeea.sed; Charles G., now living in 



Anamosa, this State ; Susan B. is the wife of Charles 
E. Fliesbach, and has one child ; thej- live in Sig- 
ourney, Iowa; America A. is the wife of W. R. 
Kizer, and lives in Ottumwa; James A. is married, 
and also resides in Ottumwa. 

E. D. Somers was married, April 26, 1877, to 
Hester A. Jenkins. The father of Jlrs. Somers is 
deceased, but her mother survives, and makes her 
home in Haneoek Count}'. 111. Mr. Somers is a 
man of good executive and business abilities, and 
in his political affiliations he is a Republican. 




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'\f/ AMES REESMAN owns and occupies a com- 
fortable homestead on section 36, Highland 
Township, and is engaged in general farming 
(|^// and stock-raising. He has been a resident 
of the Hawkej'e State since the fall of 18.39, coming 
here when a young man of twenty years old. His 
birthplace was in Pennsylvania, and the date thereof 
1819, his parents being David and Sarah (Shatfer) 
Reesman, who were natives of the same State. 
After the birth of our subject thej' removed to 
Pickaway County, Ohio, where the father engaged 
in milling and farming, .and whence, in the fall of 
1839, they removed to Iowa ,ind settled in Lee 
County. They remained there until theii- death, 
in 1851. Our subject settled in Dahlonega Town- 
ship, this count}', on section 1, where he had en- 
tered ninety acres of land, and was engaged in its 
improvement and cultivation until 1856, when he 
sold out and moved into the town of Dahlonega, 
engaging in mercantile pursuits. After three years 
he removed to Agency City, and the following 
year, 1860, came to Highland Township and loca- 
ted on section 36, which is his present homestead. 
He here purchased 130 acres of land, which he has 
brought to a fine state of cultivation. With his 
family he occupies a comfortable farm residence, 
has a good har)i and other out-buildings, and all 
the appliances of a first-class agriculturist. 

The marriage of James Reesman with INIiss Eu- 
nice E. Neal was celebrated in the fall of 1842. 
Mrs. R. W!is the daughter of Jesse and Nancy 
(Strickland) Neal, and w.is born in Tennessee. By 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



367 



i}|| her union with our subject she became the mothev 
}i| of one child, a daughter, Frances M., who died in 
4^H 1848, at the ago of five years, and was buried at 
Farming-ton, Iowa. After remaining the faithful 
}fS and affectionate companion of her husband for a per- 
iod of forty-four years, Mrs. Eunice Reesman 
closed her eyes to the scenes of earth on the 26th 
of February, 1886, at the age of sixty-three years, 
and is buried in Ottninwa Cemetery. She was a 
most excellent and worthy lady, and a devoted 
I member of the Christian Church, with which Mr. 
:§ K. lias also been connected for many years. 

1 The father of Mr. Reesman, who was born July 4, 
S 1790, followed the trade of a miller the greater 

iq part of his life and died in 1867; the mother had 
5 dei)arted this life three years previously, in 1864. 

2 having attaine<l the age of seventj'-two years. 
i§ They also were connected with the Christian 
B Church, and their remains are buried in McDonald 

;S Cemetery, near Farmington, Iowa. 



M. CROSS, engaged in real-estate business 

in, and a prominent citizen of Eldon, 

erected the first hotel in this city and has 

i: lieon engaged in various departments of business 

S since coming here. He is a man of great energy, 

E and his busy mind is most of tlie time actively en- 

E gaged in financial schemes, most of which have 

g proved profitable and reflected credit upon himself 

t as an energetic business man of goud judgment and 

:| wise management. 

B The subject of this biography is a native of the 
3 Empire State, born in 1818, and the son of Harry 
s and Lovisa (UeWolf) Cross, both natives also of 
^j ; New York. Their son, our subject, remaiued under 
i| ; the parental roof until 1846, some time after he at- 
Vg tained his majority, and then decided to seek a home 
M n in the Far \Vest. He accordingly crossed the Mis- 
sissippi, making his first location in what is now 
Monroe County, where ho followed farming pur- 
!|b suits for two years. He then removed to Wa|)ello 
County, making his residence at Eddy ville, and en- 
JfjS gaged as stage agent for Fink, Walker & Co., with 
S wh(mi he lemaiiied until l<sr)l. He then engaged 
S in the livery business for the following five jears. 




when he returned to Eddyville and established in 
the same business there, at which he was occupied 
until 11S61). He then secured possession of a hotel 
in Eldon, the business of which he conducted for 
seven years, and was then elected Justice of the 
Peace and held this position for three years, lb' 
then became interested in a coal shaft near town, 
which yielded no profit, Mr. C. barely escaping con- 
siderable loss. 

Mr. Cross was united in marriage with IMiss Maria 
L. Smith, of Ohio, in 1841, and they became the 
parents of ten children, the record of whom is as 
follows: Edgar and Mason died in childhood; 
Melissa is the wife of L. G. Turner, of Eldon; 
Phfjube married J. W. Nelson, of Altoona, Iowa; 
Walter Lovel is engaged in teaming in Eldon; 
Gertrude is the wife of J. M. Myers; Lawrence W. 
is at home ; Ilarrj' L. is yardmaster of the C, R. 
I. & P. R. R. ; Billie A. was killed by the cars near 
Pella, in November, 1881; Minnie died in l.S(;6. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cross are prominently connected 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and our sub- 
ject is a member of the I. 0. O. F., with which he 
has been connected since 1849. He is a charter 
member of Eldon Lodge No. 28, which was or- 
ganized in 1872, principalh' through his instrument- 
ality. 

-^ .^^—^ 

^ OHN M. MURRAY, Assistant Postmaster at 
Ottumwa. was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Jan. 
25, 184.5. His father, William Murray, was 
a native of Virginia, but in early life moved 
with his parents to Coshocton County, Ohio. In 
about KS40 he removed to Iowa, where he lived 
the remainder of his life, excepting about four 
years, when he resided in Missouri. He was a res- 
ident of Wa|)ello County a greater portion of the 
time, and was engaged in farming, being thus oc- 
cupied until his death, which event occurred in 
1884, when in the sixty-seventh year of his ago. 
His wife, Mrs. .Selina J. Murray, survives him. 
Eight cliildren were born of their union, three of 
whom died in cliildhood, and five are yet living. 

Jolni M. .Murray is the ohlest living. He re- 
sided witii his parents until l.S(i2, receiving his ed- 
ucation in the common schools and also in tlic 







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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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High School at Oskaloosa. During the year last 
named he went to Agenc3' City and clerked in a 
general store, following this occupation the major 
portion of his time until the fall of 1.SG9, when he 
engaged in business for himself. 

In 1.S77-78 our subject spent considerable time 
traveling, engaged as purchasing agent for .T. .1. 
Hatfield, of Ottumwa, a dealer in wuol. In Jan- 
uary, 187y, Mr. Murray was appointed Deputy 
County Clerk, under W. C. Thompson, and held 
the position with great credit to himself, as well as 
his emploj'er. until Februar3-, 1882. From this 
time he was employed in the National and First 
National Banks of Ottumwa, Iowa, until Aug. 17, 
188.5, when he received the appointment of Assist- 
ant Postmaster. 

-lohn M. Murray was united in marriage with 
Miss Ludie R. Sage, daughter of James and Re- 
becca Sage, March lU, 18U8. She was born June 
17, 18.51, and of her union with our subject six 
children have been born — Laura F., Prudie B., 
Mina M., Le Gene, Poe and Maggie M. 

Socially Mr. Murra}' is a member of Empire 
Lodge No. 269, A. F. & A. M., and holds the office 
of Past Master. He is also a member of Clinton 
Chapter No. I), R. A. M., and was Secretary of the 
same for one year. He is likewise a member of 
Malta Commander}- No. 31, K. T., and was Secre- 
tary of that commandery for two years. 



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^^ RIMES POMEROY, a highly respected citi- 
1|| ^=7 zen of Center Township, owns and occupies 
^^^j) a comfortable homestead on section 34, and 
is successfully engaged in general farming and 
stock-raising. He is a native of W.ajne County, 
Ohio, and was born July 7, 1820, his parents being 
Thomas and Annie (Kregel) Pomeroy, who were 
natives of I'ennsylvania and removed to Ohio in 
early youth. 

The subject of our sketch remained under the 
l)arental roof until he was eighteen years of age, 
assisting in the duties of tlie farm in summer and 
.attending the common sch<jols during the winter. 
In the fall of 1831) lie determined to see something 



of the western countr}', and crossing the Father of 
Waters came into Lee County, Iowa, where he 
lived until the fall of 1H54, in the meantime being 
engaged in manufacturing fanning-mills. He then 
purchased a small farm of sixty acres, which he re- 
tained possession of until \x'i'), when he sold out 
and moved to Ottumwa. In the spring of 1854 
he i)urchased 120 acres of the farm which he now 
owns and occupies. The land was in its original 
condition, but he vigorously set about its cultiva- 
tion. He was prospered in his labors, and as time 
pa.ssed on added to his possessions until he now 
owns 2.50 acres of land, besides thi'ee dwellings in 
the city of Ottumwa, valued at ^2,000. 

When young Pomeroy left the parental roof his 
father gave him about ^100 in bauk notes, the 
value of which in those days was very unreliable, 
and, when he arrived at his journey's end, he found 
that his money was below par, and that he must 
depend entirely upon his own resources. But he 
went to work with a will, determined to establish 
for himself a comfortable home, and to so build his 
character that he would be a man among men and 
occupj' a worthy position as a citizen. 

The marriage of ]Mr. Pomeroj' occurred in 1846, 
the maiden of his choice being Miss Martha John- 
son. She became the mother of three children, 
and died in the fall of 18,51. She was a highly 
esteemed lad}', and a member in good standing of 
the Christian Church. The record of their chil- 
dren is as follows: Susan became the wife of Peter 
Dunberger, a farmer of Allen County. Kan. ; the 
other two children died in infancy. The mother 
of these children is buried near Ft. Madison, in 
Lee County. 

The second wife of our subject was Miss Ellen I. 
Thrush, tp whom he was married in the fall of 
1853. She was the daughter of Robert and Han- 
nah Thrush, and by her union with our subject be- 
came the mother of eight children : Martin is in 
Jackson County, Kan. ; Levi, Flora, Rosanna, James, 
Crage, Ellen and Maggie are at home. Mrs. Pom- 
eroy died Jan. 31, 1884, and is buried in the Shawl 
graveyard. 

During the progress of the late war Mr. Pomeroy 
enlisted in Co. D. 15th Iowa Vol. Inf., and with 
his regiment participated in the battles of Shiloh, 








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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



369 



1 = 

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Corinth, and the seige and capture of Vickshurg, 
and aftur two 3'ears' service in the army received 
his discharge on account of disease contracted 
while there. Mr. Pouieroy prides himself upon 
lieing a '■ Simon-pure "' Republican, and is a meni- 
hcr of Cloutman Post No. GU, (i. A. K., of Ot- 
tumwa. He is considered one of the most skillful 
and intelligent f.armers of this section, and has 
given much attention to the raising of all kinds of 
stock. 

The father of oar subject died in March, 1840, 
and was buried near Ft. Finley, Ohio. He was a 
good man in ever>' sense of the word, and a con- 
sistent member of the iMethodist Ejnscopal Church. 
In 1841, after the decease of her husband, the 
mother of our subject joined her son in this State, 
and remained with him until her decease, in the 
fall of 184o. She was buried in the family lot 
near Ft. Madison, Lee County, and is kindl3- re- 
membered as au earnest Christian and a devoted 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



^^E()R(iE W. BOULTON, of the late firm of 
(|| ,— J Boulton Bros., of Ottumwa, was born at 
^^51 (Jreat Yarmouth, England, on the 11th 
day of December, 1834. He is the son of Ben- 
jamin J. and Mary (Ward) Boulton, also of 
English parentage and aneestrj-. Mr. Boulton, Sr., 
was a carpenter b}' trade and one of the finest 
builders and contractors of his native i)lace. He 
was a man of great energy of character, and fine abil- 
ities, and prominent in the i^ublic affairs of his 
community, and both parents were active members 
of the Episcopal Church. Of their union there was 
born a large family, only three of whom are living, 
and are residents of Ottumwa: Esther, tiie wife of 
George W. Herbert, deceased, lives in this city; 
Benjamin .1. is a]resident of Ottunnva, and also 
George W .. of our sketch. Benjamin Boulton, the 
father, died in his native England in 1849. Three 
years later Mrs. Boulton emigratetl to America 
with her daughtei-, and became a resident of Al- 
bany, N. Y., where her life terminated Dec. II, 18(>8. 
Her remains are buried at (ireen Bush. 

The subject of this sketch was reared in his na- 



I 



tive country and received his early education in the 
English schools. In I80I he emigrated to America 
with his brother, B. J., and they located at Albany, 
N. Y., where he was apprenticed to the barber's 
trade, and conducted a shop devoted to this busi- 
ness for several yeai's. In connection with it he 
also engaged in trade in gentlemen's furnishing 
goods. In 1858 he returned to England, and was 
there united in marriage, Feb. 2, 1859, with Miss 
Eliza Palmer Fill, a daughter of Capt. Thomas 
P. Fill, o'ho commanded a merchant's vessel. Mrs. 
Boulton was born in the same town as her husband. 
Great Yarmouth, England, on the 1 1th of February, 
1.S37. Two weeks after marriage Mr. and Mrs. B. 
set sail for the United States, and after their arrival 
located in Green Bush, N. Y., where they remained 
for the following seven years. Mr. B. then con- 
cluded t<;) go into the western country, and after 
crossing the Father of Waters came into Ottumwa, 
Iowa, in December, 186G. He was pleased with 
the appearance of things in the Hawkeye State and, 
his brother Benjamin having preceded him to this 
city and being engaged as a baker and confec- 
tioner, the brothers went into partnership under 
the style and title of Boulton Bros., and operated 
successfully thereafter. They became engaged ex- 
tensively in wholesale transactions, and as time 
went on and their trade increased, the}' were 
obliged to extend their f.acilities and move into 
larger quarters. The last building they occupied 
was fifty feet deep and three stories high, and their 
trade extended throughout Iowa and into adjoining 
States. They gave employment to five men, and 
our subject was constituted general superintendent 
and manager. In October, 1880, they having ac- 
cumulated a handsome competencj', retired from 
active business, and are now enjoying the fruits of 
their early enterprise and energy. 

Mr. Boulton came to America a poor bo}', land- 
ing on our shores with a capital of $2.50. He had 
been trained to habits of industry by his excellent 
parents, and was willing to work at whatever his 
hands could find to do. He has been aii upright 
and conscientious citizen, and in politics is strongl}' 
Republican and cast his first presidential vote for 
Abraham Lincoln. 

The household circle of our subject was com- 




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WAPELLO 



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pletcd by the birth of riix children, as follows : Emma, 
the wife of H. C. Petei-.s, a druggist of Ottumwa: 
May 8., Benjamin . I. and (J race W. are at home; 
two died in infancy and arc buried in Green Bush, 
N. Y. The family- residence is pleasantly located, 
anil within and without is indicative of cultivated 
tastes and ample means. The friends and associ- 
ates of our subject and his family comprise the 
cultured people of Ottumwa, aud they are most 
worthily filling their places as worthy members of 
society. 



OIIN ^\'. MILLER, a prominent factor in 
the business interests of Ottumwa, was 
among the early settlers of Wapello County, 
and has watched the rapid growth of the 
Hawkeye State with interest and satisfaction. He 
is a native of Cl.ay Count}-, Ind., and was born on 
the 8th of July, 1839, his parents being Abraham 
and Elizabeth (Yocum) Miller, the former born in 
Hardin County, Ky., in 1811, and the latter in 
Montgomery County, the same State, on the 4th of 
March, 1812. The grandfather of our subject, 
Jacob Miller, was the founder of Millerstown, Har- 
din County, and one of the early settlers of the 
State. 

Abraham Miller removed, in 182;), from Ken- 
tucky to Indiana, locating near Brazil, now the 
county seat, of which the lady whom he afterward 
married, was also a resident, their wedding occur- 
ring in 1837. Here Sir. Miller entered a tract of 
land, and opened up a farm in the midst of heavy 
timber, after years of laborious toil and sturdy per- 
severance. He remained there until the fall of 
1850, and then went still further west into Schuy- 
ler County, 111., locating on what was called the 
bottom of Crooked Creek. This stream, during the 
& ^^;;.i time of high water, often overflowed its banks, and 
Uie pioneers experienced great difficulty in secur- 
ing their crops. Mr. Miller here labored under 
great disadvantages on this account, for the space 
of three 'years, and then abandoned the struggle. 
Nearly everyone in that vicinity was afflicted with 
sickness, the sick outnumbering the well bj' a large 
majority. He then removed into McDonough 
Count}', and located eleven miles east of Macondi, 



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and subseipiently, in about ISCO, came into Wa- 
l)cllo County, Iowa, and after a useful life of in- 
dustry and kindlj- deeds, departed from the scenes 
of earth in about 1871. 

Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Miller became the par- 
ents of seven children, of whom the record is as 
follows: John W. of our sketch, was the eldest 
born ; Nancy E. became the wife of James Patter- 
son, of Bureau County, 111. ; Elijah P. is a resident 
of New Philadelphia, 111.; Barbara C. is deceased; 
James P. and Alexander A. reside in Fulton 
Countj% 111. ; Albert J. is deceased. Mrs. Miller 
had been previouslj' married to James Walch, who 
died of cholera in 1833, and of this union there 
was born one son, Jacob R., now a resident of Ful- 
ton Count}-, 111. The mother is still living, and 
resides in New Philadelphia, 111., with a son. She 
is blind, but otherwise well and hearty, aud is a 
most estimable lady, having been for many years a 
devoted member of the Christian Church. 

The subject of our sketch was reared in a log- 
cabin among the wilds of Indiana, and received his 
early education in the pioneer school, which was 
also conducted in the same kind of structure, with 
puncheon tloor, ai.d slabs for seats and desks, the 
light being admitted through window-panes made 
of greased paper, and the chimney constructed of 
mud and sticks. He removed with his parents to 
Illinois, and subsequently went to Iowa. He was 
early trained to habits of industry, and ;is soon as 
old enough assisted in the duties on the farm, in 
the meantime procuring such books as he could, 
and pursuing his studies at home during his leisure 
time when not at school. He remembers the fu'st 
religious meeting which he attended, which was 
conducted in a barn, barns and school-houses being 
then commonl}" used for religious purposes. As 
the result of his studious habits he developed into 
a teacher, and conducted the fir§t colored school in 
this county, the people having built a house ex- 
pressh' for that purpose. He was an enterprising 
and ambitious young man, and starting out from 
home was employed for a time as insurance and 
book agent. He then engaged in business as joint 
proprietor of the Star Mills, at Ottumwa, under the 
firm name t>f Wilson & Co., his partner being A. 
K. Wilson, of Ottumwa. Tliej- conducted the 






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business for three or four years, and then dissolved. 
Mr. Miller then engaged in trade in second-hand 
furniture and other commodities, being the pioneer 
in this business in the city of Ottumwa, it |)roving 
quite a novelty in those days. 

John W. Miller was united in marriage with Miss 
Nancy A. Yarnell, on the IJJtli of March, 1869, in 
Ottumwa. Mrs. Millei- is a native of Wayne 
County, Ohio, and was born in August, 1845. .She 
was bereft of a mother's affectionate care while an 
infant, and was reared by the family of Peter 
Troxel, coming to Iowa in 1868. By her union 
with our subject she has become the mother of five 
children, viz., Harry N., Blanche E., Grace E., 
Ralph E. and Mabel C. 

During the progress of the late war Mr. Miller 
enlisted as a soldier in the 72d Illinois Infantry, 
which rendezvoused at Chicago. He was soon 
afterward taken ill witli the measles, and on the 
28th of F'ebruary following was discharged on ac- 
count of disability. Mr. Miller in politics is a 
stanch Republican, and strongly in favor of pro- 
hibition, and the enforcement of the laws. He is 
straightforward and upright in his business trans- 
actions, and highly esteemed for his excellent per- 
sonal traits of character. Both he and Mrs. Miller 
are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church 
of Ottumwa, to the support of which they con- 
triljute of their means in a liberal manner. They 
are pleasantly located in a handsome home, and 
surrounded by all the comforts of life. 



-«cai2/©^^ 



Ja'y^— >i-^.S!/ZJ2W»>. 



^ M. SWOPE, a resident of Wapello County 
of thirty years, and a successful and well-to- 
do farmer, residing on section 3.j, Cass 
Township, was born Oct. lo, 1801, in Mon- 
roe County, W. Va. Mr. .Swope is a son of John 
and Nancy (Riffe) Swope, the father a native of 
West Mrginia and both of German descent. They 
became the parents of the following children, seven 
of whom lived to attain the age of man and wo- 
manhood : Rachel became the wife of Christopher 
Sodghill, and both are deceased, their demise hav- 
ing occurred in this county; Michael, Rebecca and 



Malinda died in infancy; David R. came to this 
county with our subj(!ct and died in 1877; Adelini' 
became the wife of Robert Cummings, and departed 
this life in Virginia; J. M., our subject, was the 
next in order of birth; Martha is living on tlie old 
homestead in Virginia; Amanda died when quite 
young and while the family were yet residents of 
Virginia; Mary M. is the wife of J. H. Shumate, a 
stock-dealer and also Postmaster in Eskridge, Wn- 
baunsee Co., Kan. ; W. L. yet lives on the old home- 
stead where he was born, in Virginia. The fatlier 
died in 1877, in Monroe County, W. Va., .aged 
eighty years, and his good wife departed this life a 
year later, aged seventy-eight years. 

It was during the year 185G that the subject of 
this notice left the parental roof- tree and went 
forth in the cold, unfriendly world to do for himself. 
He came West in company with his brother, David 
R., and family, and located at Chillicothe, this 
county, on the 10th of November of that year. 
The journey was made overland, and reipiired forty- 
six days to complete it. During the winter of 1856 
he attended school at Chillicothe, and in the spring 
of 1857 he and his Ijrother rented 160 acres of land, 
on which they worked with a will, for it was there 
they expected to get their first start. It was during 
that spring that Mr. Swope purchased his first land, 
the same being forty acres, it being located on sec- 
tion 35, and including a portion of his present farm. 
In the fall of 1.S57 he moved on his land and began 
farming for himself, having in the meantime, April 
16, 1857, become a Benedict. The lady whom he 
chose as his companion for life was Miss Alvira R. 
Myers. She was born June 12, 1839, in Ohio, and 
is a daughter of G. F. and H. R. Myers, natives of 
that State. A biography of her father is given 
elsewhere in this work. 

The union of our subject with Miss Myers was 
productive of the birth of seven children, viz: 
Willie, who died in infanc}'; Rebecca M., born July 
6, 1860, departed this life Oct. 3. 1862; John F., 
born Feb. 13, l.S(;3, died March 24, 1880; P^mma 
L., born Dec. 10, 1865, is living at home, as likewise 
is George M., born March 24, 1869, and Robert C. 
Dec. 21, 1874; Lloyd H. was born Feb. 13, 1880, 
and eleven days later his mother jiassed from earth 
to a better home beyond. She was a member of 



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the Metliudist Episcopal t'huix-li, a luvinu- wife, a 
kind niolher. and a generous friend, and is lunicd 
in the cemetery at Chillic-othe. 

Mr. Svvope has added to his (>rij;inal pureliasc and 
is now the owner of 103 acres of well-improved 
land, on which he has a good dwelling, barn, and 
other necessary out-lniildings. What he has he has 
made by hard work and economy. He has been 
Township Assessor and. Collector several terms, and 
is respected for his integrity ami fair dealing, lie 
is a Democrat in politics, and socially is a menilier 
of the Mas(;nic.fraternit3-, holding. fellowship with 
Loilge No. 74, of Eddyville. 

OJIKH I). I \'ES, deceased, was formerly a 
prominent attorney of Eddyville, and h:id 
established himself as one of the brightest 
members of the profession in this localitj\ 
lie was born in North Haven, Conn., in 1(^14, and 
departed this life Oct. 14, ISGT, on board the 
steamer Rob R03', w'hile on his way home from St. 
Lonis. The subject of our sketch was the son of 
^Villianl and Mary (Bray) Ives, natives of Con- 
necticut. He received his primary education in the 
common schools of his native State, and after ar- 
riving at a suitable age entered Yale College, from 
the law departraeat of which he graduated, and 
subsequently came to Iowa, in 1843, making his 
first locati(m in Keosauqua, antl commenced the 
practice of his profession. After a few months he 
removed to Edd^'ville and opened an office, in the 
duties of which he employed himself until his de- 
cease. He [)racticed in the courts of Marion, Ma- 
haska, Wai)ello and Monroe Counties, and at one 
time was on one side of eveiy case in three or four 
counties around, and built up for himself an envia- 
ble reputation as an advocate and couuseloi-. 

The marriage of Mr. Ives and .Miss iM;irv Ivist- 
mau was celebrated in the spring of 1 84',), at Eddy- 
ville. Mrs. Ives is a native of New York, and the 
daughter of Oliver and Laura (Ward) Eastman, 
also natives of the Empire State. t)f lur union 
with our subject there were born the following 
children: .Mary N'.. the wife of Dr. Todd, of Los 
Angeles, Cal. ; Carrie E., married to W. A. Hunter. 



station agent for the C.. R. I. A- I'. R. R. at Eddy- 
ville: Wilfred II. is a farjner of St. .lohn's County, ^- 
Kau. ; .lennie W. has for the past three years been 
a teacher in the graded schools of Muline, 111., and 
A'ina \i. is engaged in teaching music at Brookfield, 
Mo. 

Mr. Ives was a })ublic-spirited citizen, ahvajs 
willing to contribute of his time and means for the 
advancement of an^' enterprise calculated to pro- 
mote the mental, moral or educational advancement 
of his community. He became very successful in gs" 
his business, and besides acquiring considerable §' 
town property was the owner of over 200 acres of 1 
valuable land in Wapello and Monroe Counties. S 
Mrs. Ives occupies the residence in Eddyville, and 3E 
is a ladj' highly esteemed for her excellent personal 3||} 
ti'aits of character. The famil}' is well known and 
highl}' respected throughout the community, the 
children being of bright and promising characters, 
and giving ample evidence of having inherited the 
talents and genius of their estimable i)arents. 

j\ W. SCOTT, a prominent and successful at- B; 
torney of the city of Ottumwa, is a native 
of Ohio County, Ky., born near the town sjij 
of Hartford, Jan. 17, 1854. His parents —^ 
were George W. and Nancy C. (Keith) Scott, n: - 
tives of the same State. When our subject was 
yet a boj- his parents moved to Indiana and settled 
in Rerry Count}', where he received his early edu- 
cation in the common schools. He remained at 
home until he arrived at the age of twenty years, | 
and then entered the otlice of Judge C. H. Mason, 
under w horn he studied law for the following three 
years, teaching school in the meantime to assist in 
meeting his expenses. He was admitted to the bar 
in 187!S, and three j'ears later was admitted to i)art- 
nership with his former preceptor, the style of the i 
tirni being Mason it Scott, and the}' operated in 
company until September. ISSij, when Mr. S. con- 
cluded to seek the western country. He traveled 
through Illinois, and in the spring of ItSistJ came i 
into Iowa, locating in Ottumwa. He opened an t 
otlice and began practice, and witliin a compara. :i{ 
lively brief space of time has establislied himself iu : 




n. 







WAPELLO COUNTY. 



the confideucc and esteem of his fellow-townsmen 
and his brethren of the profession. He makes a 
specialty of criminal practice, and is considered an 
advocate of more than ordinary merit. 

The marriage of Mr. Scott and Miss JNIary E. 
Marshall, of Perr}' County, Ind., was celebrated on 
the 29th of March, 1870. Mrs. C. is the daughter 
of W. W. Marsh.all, who served in the Ihiion army 
during the late war, and was killed near Helena, 
Ark. Ml', and Mrs. S. have become the |)arents of 
one child, Charles M. 

ilr. Scott is Republican in polities, and while in 
Indiana took a prominent part in local and general 
political matters, being Chairman of the Republican 
Central Committee, and -'stumijed" the county in 
the interest of his partj- in 1 .S84. He is a j'oung man 
of more than ordinar}- ability, and while in Indi- 
ana served as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. In 
his special line he is a most able advocate. 

1/ lEUT. WILLIAM P. SHARP, a resident of 
il (© Ottumwa, and an honored pioneer of Waj)- 
/il=^ ello County, came to this region at an early 
period in its history, and has watched with intense 
interest and pleasure the progress of the remarkable 
changes which have taken place since. When a 
young man he crossed the Father of Waters and 
gazed with wonder and admiration upon the beau- 
tiful country, with its gi-eat possibilities, which lay 
before him. Mr. Sharp is a native of Wooster, 
Wayne Co., Ohio, and was born Oct. 9, 1825, his 
parents being James O. and Margaret (Crosby) 
Sharp, both natives of Pennsj'lvania. They re- 
moved from their native State to Ohio in 181.'), and 
were among the early settlers in that locality. The 
cabins of the pioneers were few and far between, 
and they made the journey thither with teams, cut- 
ting their way through the heavy timber. Amidst 
this timber they also settled, erected a rude cabin, 
and commenced to clear a spot of ground. By in- 
cessant industry they soon brought a few acres to a 
condition of cultivation, and established a comfort- 
able home. 

James O. and Margaret Sharp were the parents 
of three cliildren, as follows: .Marv liecame the 




wife of Thomas L. Wisncr. who was the County 
Clerk of ^Vells County for twent}- >-ears; Sai-ah 
was the wife of Ayers Knight, of Defiance County, 
Ohio, and died in 1877, and William P., our sub- 
ject. James Sharp departed this life in 1838, at 
the age of forty years. His wife, Margaret, sur- 
vived him ten years, passing to her final rest in 
1848. They were most worthy and excellent peo- 
ple, highly respected in the county where they re- 
sided, and active members of the Baptist Churcii. 

AVilliam P. Sharp of our sketch was reared in his 
native county, receiving careful parental training 
and a fair education in the pioneer schools. The 
school buildings at that d.\y and in that section 
consisted of log cabins with puncheon floors, and 
slabs for seats and desks, supported l>y poles fast- 
ened in the wall. He was fond of his books, and 
after completing his primary studies, entered Edin- 
burg Academy at Edinburg, where he took a thor- 
ough course, becoming qualified as a teacher, and 
followed this occupation for some time afterward. 
At the age of eighteen years he was employed as a 
clerk in a general store in the town of Congress, 
Waj'ne County, which position he occupied for two 
years following, when he returned to his father's 
homestead and remained for about three years. 

The marriage of William P. Sharp and Miss 
Sophia Heifer was celebrated in 1840, at the resi- 
dence of her parents in Ashland County. ^Irs. 
Sharp was a daughter of Christopher and Lydia 
Heifer, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated t" 
Ohio at an earlj' day and shared in common with 
their fellow pioneers, the privations and hardships 
incident to the earl^ settlement of that State. In 
1848 Mr. Sharp with liis wife removed from Ohio 
to Indiana, and located in Blultton, Wells County. 
There he pursued the occupation of a clerk in a 
general store for two j'ears, after which he re- 
turned to his native State and engaged in the sale 
of boots and shoes. He then returned to his former 
residence in Indiana, remaining there until 185(), 
when he removed to Danville, Iowa, and two 
years later came into Ottumwa. Mr. Sharp then 
started a boot-and-slioe store in the city, and was 
engaged in this department of trade until 1.S62, 
after the Rebellion had necessitated an urgent call 
for troops for the i)reservalion of the Inion, when 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



Mr. Sharp, lajing aside lii.s personal interests, vol- 
unteered his services to his eonntry, and enlisted 
in Co. H, olJtli luwa Vol. Inf. The^' first rendez- 
voused at Keokuk for two montiis and then pro- 
ceeded to Benton Barracks, St. Louis. They were 
soon ordered to Helena, Ark., and Mr. Sliarp was 
detailed for guard duty. He only served about one 
3ear, as tlie exposure and hardship incident to a 
soldier's life undermined his constitution, and be- 
coming unable to fulfill his duties, he was compelled 
to abandon his post and return home, receiving his 
discharge on account of disabilit}'. He has never 
reeovei'ed from the effects of army life, and still 
suffers from the hardships which lie endured. Dur- 
ing his brief experience as a soldier he received the 
1 iicomiums of his superior officers ft>r dut^y brave)}' 
jierformed. 

Mr. Sharj) was emploj'ed as a traveling salesman 
for about twenty years, and in that time lias made 
many trips from Boston to St. Louis, while trans- 
acting a large amount of business in the interven- 
ing cities. Mr. Sharp went into the army a Demo- 
crat, and now may be classed as an independent 
Hepublicnn. His aim is to vote for the best man 
and the best measures without regard to party. So- 
cially he belongs to the L (). O. F., with which he 
has been connected for a period of tliirt3-sevcn 
years. He became a member of the Wooster 
(Ohio) Lodge No. 42, in 1S.5(I, and ui)on his re- 
moval to Indiana withdrew from this, and was 
transferred to Bluft'ton Lodge No. 142, afterward 
I)ecoming a member of Charit}- Lodge No. .HJ, at 
New London, and after coming to Ottumwa he 
joined Ottumwa Lodge No. D, and has been a del- 
egate to the sessions of the Orand Lodge of tlie 
United States. Hewas(;rand Master of the State 
of Iowa, in 1 .sCS-C;), (inuid Patriarcli in 1872-73, 
and Grand UeiM'csentative.in liS71-72. 

;\Irs. and Mrs. Sharj) became the parents of five 
children, only two of whom are living: Oscar II., 
.1 jeweler of Ccnterville, Appanoose County, and 
Mary, the wife of Charles K. Boude, ticket agent of 
the C, R. I. A' 1". K. U.; three cliildren died in 
early ciiildiiood. The faniil}- residence is pleas- 
antly located at Nc). 437 East Fourth street, and 
'hiring a residence of twenty-eight years in Ot- 
iiimwa Mr. .-ind Mrs. .Sharp have occupieil an en- 




-~ — |1 

viable position in the community, and enjoy, in the ; i 
highest degree, the respect of a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances. 



eAPT. JOHN PUMROV. deceased, a former 
■ 
resident of Ottumwa, and one of the earli- 
est settlers of Wapello Couutjr, was a native 
of Westmoreland County, Pa., the date of his birth 
being .Jul}' 1.5, l.Slo. While a young man he went 
from his native State to Wooster, Ohi<>, and in 182,j 
crossed the Mississippi and came into Lee County, 
Iowa, before it became a State. The fiillowing 
year, on the 27th of October, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Eve Ann Booer, who was born on 
the 4th of August, 1817. Of this union there are 
two children living: Mary A., the wife of A. D. 
Boyer, of Lincoln, Neb., and James, whose resi- 
dence at present is not known. After remaining 
the companion of her husband for sixteen .years, 
Mrs. Eve Pumroy departed this life Sept. 2G, 18.52. 
In 184.5 Mr. Pumroy removed into Wapello 
Coiuit}', locating in Ottumwa, where he established 
a drug business, and built the corner block which is 
now occupied by the dri'-goods store t)f W. W. 
Ennis tfe Co. After becoming a resident of this 
city he made the acquaintance of Miss Sarah Z. 
Burge, to whom he was married in 1852. She was 
a native of Genessee County, N. Y., born in 1824, 
and the daughter of John and Polly W. (Morgan) 
Burge. In 1833, when his daughter, the wife of 
our subject, was a little girl eight j'ears old, 3Ir. 
Burge removed from New York to Ohio, and from 
there,, in 1840, crossed the Mississippi and came 
into Van Buren County, Iowa. Twelve years later 
he went to Oregon, accompanied b}' his wife, and 
they both died in that State, Mr. Burge in March, 
1872, and Mrs. B. three years later, in 187.5. 

Mr. Pumroy of our sketch was a very intelligent 
man, an extensive reader, .and tiioroughly posted 
upon the current events of the day. Upon the 
breaking out of the Rebellion, he enlisted in Co. 
M, '.Hli Iowa \'ol. Cav., which he had himself raised, 
and of which he was commissioned Captain by (;»p\ . 
Ivirkwood. They first rendezvoused at Davenpoit. 
Iowa, for a short time, and were then sent to Benton 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



377 



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Barricks, St. Louis, where they soon received 
marching orders, their destination being Little 
Rock, Ark. Here the health of Mr. Pumroy failed, 
and he contracted the disease of \yhioh he died at 
Bright Haven, six weeks afterward. 

Capt. Pumroy was of a nervous temperament, 
generous and whole-souled, quick to form an opin- 
ion and courageous in its expression. During the 
earlier 3'ears of his life, while the Whig party was 
in existence, he was a firm adherent to its princi- 
ples and a great admirer of Henry Clay. Upon 
the abandonment of the old party by the organiza- 
tion of the new, he cheerfully indorsed the platform 
of the latter and uniforml}' cast his vote for its 
principles and candidates. He was warmly attached 
to his home and friends, and in his family relations, 
it was said, never an impatient or unkind word 
passed his lips and that he was most generous in 
providing for them. 

Capt. Pumroy occupied a high position in the 
Masonic fraternity, under the auspices of which he 
was buried with all the honors which it could con- 
fer. He was a member in good standing of the 
Christian Church, and his death was greatly la- 
mented by a large circle of friends and acquaint- 
ances. He left a widow in good circumstances, 
who is at present living in Ottunnva in a pleasant 
home, and enjoying the esteem and friendship of 
nian}^ cif the cultured people of the citj'. 




-^Ij ARON MELICK, Justice of the Peace and 
@£Jli a resident of Ottuniwa, isa native of Knox 
Count}-, Ohio, and was born April 8, 183'). 
He is the son of Timothy and Maria (Noff- 
singer) Melick, both natives of the same county as 
their son. Thej- were the parents of two children, 
Sarah Belle, now deceased, and Aaron, our subject. 
Timothy Melick spent his entire life in his native 
State, and died there in LS39, when his son Aaron 
was a ehild of four years old. The latter remained 
with his mother until he was sixteen years of age, 
attending the district schools, where he received a 
fair education. His mother subsequently married 
.laiiu's Britton, and in 18.')1 they came to Iowa 
and located in Johnson Count}'. 



In 18.')2 the subject of our sketch removed from 
Johnson to AVapello, Louisa County, and went into 
the office of the Louisa County Times, the first 
paper printed in that countj\ He there learned 
the trade of a printer, and in 1855 returned to 
Ohio, where he was united in marriage with Miss 
Mary E. Bellville, the daughter of Nicolas Bell- 
ville, of Union County, that State. ISIrs. Melick 
was born in that county in 1841, and five years 
after marriage removed with her husband to Iowa, 
where he assumed charge of the Jeffersonian Blade, 
at Albia, Monroe County, under the proprietor, Mr. 
Noffsinger. In the spring of 1 8fi2, the war being- 
then in progress, Mr. Noffsinger enlisted in the 8th 
Iowa Infantry, and JNIr. Melick then went into 
partnership with (ieorge Heckenlooper, who is now 
in the Treasur}- Department at Washington, D. C. 
Mr. Heckenlooper also enlisted in the service in the 
22d Iowa Infantry, and Mr. Melick then took in 
for a partner Josiah T. Young, who was afterward 
Secretary of State for two terms. He also enlisted 
in the army, becoming a member of the 3Gth Iowa 
Infantry, and then i\Ir. Melick moved the office 
into Eddyville, this county. Here he established 
the Eddyville Star. A few years later he sold out, 
and subsequentlj', in company with C. C. Bitner, 
established the Independent, which they afterward 
sold to H. N. Clement. 

Mr. Melick was afterward appointed Postmaster 
bj' President Lincoln, the appointment being con- 
firmed after the assassination of the latter. Mr. 
Melick held this office four years, and was then 
elected Mayor of the city. After serving his term 
he came to Ottumwa in 1872, and for a short time 
was associated with Sanuiel Evans, .and was next 
employed on the Courier as city editor. He re- 
mained with the publishers of that paper for sev- 
eral years, and then took charge of the Daily Dem- 
ocrat until 1 883, when h6 abandoned the newspaper 
business and engaged in keeping a hotel and res- 
taurant. 

In tlie spring of 1885 Mr. Melick was elected 
City Clerk of Ottumwa, and in the fall of 188(; 
was elected Justice of the Peace on the Democratic 
ticket, which office he continues to hold, and the 
duties of which he is conductirig with great credit 
to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. So- 





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378 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 






cially Mr. Melick belongs to the Masonic frnternity, 
being a member of Eddyville Lodge No. 74, de- 
mitted aur] joined the Ottuniwa Lodge No. 2(IS». 
Mr. and Mrs. Melick have become the pai-ents of 
four children, three daughters and one son : Annie 
M. became the wife of A\illiam H. Pangborn, de- 
ceased; Stella B., Winnie and (irittin are at home. 




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AVID RAILSBACK, a resident of Ottuni- 
wa, and a pioneer settler of the Hawkeye 
State, came to Iowa with his parents while 
it was yet a Territory, in 1 iS4 1 . The3' lo- 
cated in the northei'u part of ^'an Buren County', 
and remained there until the 1st of ]May, when 
thej' went into Washington Township, Wapello 
County, where the father purchased a claim of that 
well-known old pioneer, James Jordan, consisting 
of 320 acres, upon which he located and opened 
up a farm. He first moved his familj" into an Li- 
dian wigwam until he could roll enough logs to- 
gether to build a cabin. When this was completed, 
with the exception of the floor, he moved his fam- 
ily into it, and they commenced pioneer life in 
good earnest, and for several years thereaftei' en- 
dured their full share of the hardships and priva- 
tions incident to the settlement of a new countr}'. 
He pursued the improvement and cultivation of 
his farm industriouslj' and laboriously' for manj' 
years, and in due time received an abundant re- 
ward. He was a man of great energy and enter- 
prise, and took pride in seeking to do the best he 
could under all circumstances, and consequently 
his crops and stock were among the best in that 
region. He was the first man to bring a Short- 
horn bull into the county, from which the greater 
tipart of the fine cattle in this vicinity have sprung. 
The subject of this sketch was born in Marion 
County, Ind., on tlie 27th day of March, 18.39. and 
is the son of Edward and Francina (Hunt) Kails- 
back. The parental family consisted of fourteen 
children, four of whom are living, as follows: 
Clarrisa is the wife of David Bear, of Davis County ; 
Mary, the wife of Jacob Rutherford, of California; 
Mahlon, of Montana, and D.avid. our suliject. The 




J 



mother of these children departed this life in 1845, 
and for his second wife Edward Railsback married 
Miss Rebecca Langdon. of which union one child 
was born, now deceased. Mrs. Rebecca Railsback |3 
died a short time afterward, and Mr. R. was mar- 
ried the third time, taking for his wife ^liss Cath- 
arine Houtman, who became the mother of the 
following children: Olive, the wife of James 
Brown; Jacob, .Jasper, Allen, and Vina (now Mrs. 
Jones). The father of our subject died in 1859. 
He was a member of the Whig partj', which, at the 
time of his death, was being merged into the new 
Republican organization, the latter having sprung 
into existence three years previously. 

David Railsback was reared in the pioneer hjg 
cabin, received a limited education, and as soon as 
old enough began to assist his parents in the duties 
around the homestead. At the age of twenty-two 
years, in 18G1, the Civil War being then in prog- 
ress, he enlisted as a soldier of the Union in Co. E, 
3d Iowa Vol. Cav. The 2d battalion of the regi- 
ment was detailed in Northern Missouri, where 
they were engaged in circumventing the bush- 
whackers, and our subject participated in the vari- 
ous engagements and skirmishes which his regi- 
ment encountered until 1864, the expiration of his 
term of service. He then veteranized in the same 
regiment, and at the battle of Big Pine Grove, Ala., 
was wounded in the right hip by a rille-ball, from 
which he never recovered, and which will probably 
cause him annoyance and suffering as long as he 
lives. He did not, however, allow this to disable 
him permanently, but as soon as possible recovered 
from the first effects of the wound and rejoined his 
regiment, remaining with his comrades until the 
close of the war, when he was mustered out at At- 
lanta, receiving an honorable discharge. On ac- 
count of his wounds he now receives a pension of 
$12 a month. 

Returning home at the close of the war, Mr. 
Railsback was married in Wapello County, on the 
10th of December, 1865, to Miss Mary E. Page. 
Mrs. Railsback is a native of Ohio, and the daugh- 
ter of L. A. and Achsa (ILarris) Page, natives of 
Ohio, wiio crossed the Mississippi and came into 
Wapello County at an early period in the history 
of this State. Their daughter, the wife of our sub- 



....ippf^r 



^st 










WAPELLO COUNTY. 



ject, was bom Jul}' 17, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. K. 
have become the parents of four children — AVilliani 
E. L., Achsa F., Clarissa May and Lillie Belle. Jlr. 
and Mrs. R., with their son William and daughter 
Clarissa, are members of the Christian Church. 
Politically Mr. K. is a (Treenbacker. He has been 
identified with the industrial and business interests 
of the county for many years, lias watched its 
gTOwth with interest and pleasure, and in all re- 
spects has fulfilled the obligations of an honest man 
and a good citizen. 



/^^ HARLES HALL, of the law firm of Coen & 
III Hall, at Ottumwa, a firm well and favorably 

^^^' known for its trustworthiness and proficiency, 
was born at Carthage, Hancock Co., 111., Dec. 7, 
18.5C. He is a son of George W. and M.ary Ann 
(McHarj') Hall, the former a native of Delaware 
and the latter of Kentucky. The father of our 
subject was a physician by profession, and a grad- 
u.ate of Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. 
Subsequently he was Professor of Keokuk Medical 
College for several years, and is at present engaged 
in the practice of his profession in .St. Louis, Mo. 

Charles Hall graduated at St. Louis High School, 
and supplemented his education bj' a course of 
studj' at Cornell University, at Ithaca, N. Y. He 
also graduated from the Law School at St. Louis 
in 1881, and was admitted to practice in all the 
counties of that State and Iowa. In 1882 our sub- 
ject came to Ottumwa, where he hung out his 
shingle and engaged in the practice of his profes- 
sion, in which he has been constanth' engaged to 
the present time, meeting with more than ordi- 
nary success. He is a young man of far more than 
ordinary ability, and, judging from the past has 
an exceedingly bright future before him. During 
the year 1884 Mr. Hall was elected Cit}' Solicitor 
of Ottumwa. and in 1880 was re-elected to the same 
position. 

Our subject is a Democrat in politics, and in 
188.5 was elected Chairman of tiic Democratic 
Central Committee. Social!}' he is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Chapter 



and Commander}', and also the K. of P. and A. O. 
U. W. Mr. Hall was married in Carthage, 111..] 
to Miss Eva Carlton, daughter of Dr. 
ton, and they have one child — Edith. 



■<-i:»l^-*-^»^ 





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IJITZ, of Eldon Village, is a dealer in gen- 
eral merchandise, and also the proprietor 
of Eldon Mills, and in his joint occupations 
lis meeting with that success which is the just 
reward of enterprise and perseverance. Mr. Ritz 
came to this county in 1884, and at once located 
in Eldon. lie is a native of Switzerland, born in 
1844, and is the son of J.U. and Annie (Newcomb) 
Ritz. He came to America with his pai'ents when 
a child of five or six years old, and they first lo- 
cated in Greene County, Ohio, making their home 
there for several years. They then removed to 
Bloomfield, Iowa, and afterward to Davis County, 
thence to Van Biiren County, and located upon a 
farm, where they remained until 1868. Our sub- 
ject then went to Portland, Iowa, where he made 
his h(mie until 1877, and engaged in general 
merchandise. He afterward removed to a farm in 
the same county, where he lived until the fall of 
187S, and then moved to ■' Stumptown," now 
Selma, Van Buren County. Here he again engaged 
in general merchandise, which occupied his time 
until he came to Eldon, and purchased the stock 
and trade of J. G. Randall, and has continued the 
business at the same place since that time, but still 
has an interest in the Selma business. 

Mr. Ritz was married to Jliss jNIargaret Mcin- 
tosh, of A'an Buren Ccninty, in 1868, and of this 
union there were born five children — Clarence, Ira, 
Henry, Ethel and Cora. Mr. Ritz is a member in 
good standing of the A. F. & A. M., and the I. O. 
O. F. The subject of our sketch was the eldest of 
seven children born to his parents, and was a poor 
boy when he came to this country. He received 
a limited education in the district schools, but m.ade 
the most of his opportunities and kept a watchful 
eye on what was going on around him. His suc- 
cess in life has l)een the result of his own energy 
and industry, and for the many excellent qualities 



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380 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



of his character he is held in the highest esteem by 
his felhjw-townsineii. His parents arc still living, 
ami reside at Selma, Iowa. 








^ M. LENTNER, a pioneer of the Ilawkeye 
State, came to Wapello County in 1851, 
tliree years after the admission of Iowa into 
the Union as a State. The country was but thinly 
settled, and only here and there curled the smoke 
from the lowl}- cabin of the adventurous emigrant. 
Mr. L. was a native of Delaware, born in Sussex 
County in 1807, and the son of Jacob and Lydia 
(Russell) Lentner, natives of Pennsylvania and 
Delaware respectively'. He was reared to farming 
pursuits, and obtained such education as the schools 
of that early period afforded. When he was a lad 
of nine years old he went to Athens County, Ohio, 
with his parents, and lived there until 1851. They 
then came to Wapello County, settling in Dahlo-' 
nega Township, where our subject remained until 
tiie spring of 1864. He then removed into High- 
land Township, and purchased 120 acres of land on 
section .35, which constitutes his present homestead 
and where he still lives. 

Mr. Lentner, of our sketch, was married, Dec. 
10, 1829, to Miss Ann McGonigal. She died Nov. 
10, 1830, leaving one child, Sar.ih Ann, who is 
now the widow of William Stillwell, and resides in 
Ohio. Mr. Lentner was again married, in 1831, to 
Aliss Mary Imes, a n.ative of Ohio, and the record 
of their children is as follows: Elizal)cth died at 
the age of four years; Henry J. is a resident of 
Highland Township; Louisa F. is the wife of Dr. 
lliusey, of Oltuinwa; Jacob is a farmer of High- 
land Township; Rhoda was married to William T. 
Scott, who became a soldier of the Union and died 
in the service; she departed this life Sept. 12, 187() ; 
Hester Matilda is the wife of Sanford Kirkpatrick. 

Mr. Lentner was a natural moelianic, and during 
his earlier years exhiliited with pride many of the 
products of his skill .md handiwork. His somewhat 
limited education has been supplemented by a 
course of instructive reading, and lie has been a 
keen observer of what was going on around him. 



liy this means he possesses a rich fund of informa- 
tion upon matters in general, and is a reraarkabl}' 
interesting talker. 

The father of our subject wa.s a soldier in the 
War of 1812, and during times of pe.ace was en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits. He reached the 
ripe old age of seventy-three years, and died about 
1848. His faithful wife, the mother of our sub- 
ject, preceded her husband nearly thirty years to 
the land of the hereafter, dving in 181!). 






EE. McELROY, of the firm of Chambers & 
Mcj;iroy, of the cit^' of Ottumwa, in com- 
j -■ pany with his partner, is successfully con- 
ducting the business of attorney and counselor at 
law. Mr. McElroy is a native of Fayette Count}^ 
Ohio, and was born on the Ifith of February, 1849, 
his parents being T. G. and Esther (Kerr) McEl- 
roj^ natives of the same count}'. He was reared 
on a farm, where he remained until sixteen j'earsof 
age, receiving his primary education in the district 
schools, which was supplemented b}- an attendance 
at the High School of Greenfield, and afterward at 
the Academy of South Salem, Ohio. From these 
he entered Cornell Universitj' at Ithaca, N. Y., 
from which he gi-aduated in the class of 1872. He 
then entered the law department of the State Uni- 
versity of Iowa Cit}', from which he received the 
degree of LL. B., and license to practice in all the 
courts of the State, and began the practice of his 
profession at Ottumwa, on tlie 18th of August, 
1873. He operated alone for the space of sixteen 
months, and then entered into partnership with 
AV. E. Chambers, and Feb. 18, 1884, they admitted 
a third partner, Mr. S. A. W. Carver, a former stu- 
dent in the office, into the firm. The firm of Cham- 
bers, McElroy ife Carver continued in business un- 
til Fel). 1, 1887. when Mr. Carver retired, and 
moved to California, leaving as his success<n' the 
old firm of Chambers & McElro}'. Beside other 
Impoitant trusts the firm is attorney for that pow- 
erful corporation, the C, M. & St. P. R. R. 

Mr. Mcf^lro}' is still on the sunny side of forty, 
and is possessed of more than ordinary ability. He 






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is a gimtlemnn of fine iiddress and gives strict at- 
p tention to the duties of liis profession. lie was 
married in Greenfield, Ohio, in 187:5, to Miss Belle 
Hamilton. She was a native of that State, and the 
IS daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hamilton, and 
g by her union with our subject became the mother 
of five children — Clifford, Carl, Walter, Ralph and 
JIvalyn. Mrs. McElroy departed this life May 10, 
1883, and our subject was subsequently married to 
Miss Elizabeth A. Miluer, of Polk County, Iowa. 
They have one child — Edna. Their home is one of 
the resorts of the cultured people of Ottumwa, and 
is surrounded with much that constitutes the abode 
of cultivation and and refinement. Oui subject 
and his wife are regular attendants of the Presby- 
terian Churcli, and arc held in high esteem by a 
large circle of friends and acquaintances. 



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I! 




I|EN.TAMIN RANDEL, a prominent and in- 
fluential farmer and stock-grower of Center 
Township, owns and occupies a fine estate 
situated on section 1 ■>. He has been a resi- 
dent of the Hawkeye State since 1865, locating first 
in Ottumwa, and then removing to the farm which 
he now occupies. This consists of 220 acres of 
finely improved land, upon which is a comfortable 
brick residence, a shapely and substantial barn, and 
all the out-buildings necessary to a well-regulated 
grain and stock farm. Beside tiio homestead in 
Center Township he has three other farms in the 
county, his landed possessions in all .aggregating 
about 500 acres. He formerly' owned 2,000 acres, 
but two years ago divided up 1,500 among his chil- 
dren. Beside having been one of the largest land- 
owners in Wapello County, he has materially as- 
sisted in its industrial and agricultural interests, and 
as an honest man and a good citizen has contribu- 
ted his full quota to its growth and development. 
The subject of this history was boru in Hamilton 
Count3-, Ohio, .lune 16, 1812. His parents were 
Benjamin and Ollie (Williamson) Randel, the father 
a native of Vermont and the mother of Virginia. 
Benjamin Randel, Sr., followed farming as a busi- 
ness, and served as a private soldier in the War of 
1812, under Gen. Harrison. He died in Ohio manj' 
lis 

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j'ears ago. Mrs. Ollie Randel afterward came to 
Iowa, and died at the home of her son, our subject. 
The parental family removed from Ohio to 
Franklin County, Ind., at an earlj* jieriod in the his- 
tory of the latter State, and there Benjamin Randel 
was reared on a farm and educated in the pioneer 
schools, which, as is well understood, were not to be 
compared witli the institutions of learning of the 
present day. The edifice in which he pursued his 
primary studies was built of logs, with puncheon 
floor and benches, greased paper for window-panes, 
and heated by the broad, old-fashioned fireplace. 
The teacher was not expected to give instruction 
in or to know an3'thing more than the rudiments of 
a common English education. At the age of fif- 
teen j-ears 3'oung Benjamin commenced to learn the 
trade of a potter, with .John P. Williams, who lived 
in Blooming Grove. He followed his trade until 
1850, and then resolved to interest himself in agri- 
culture. He purchased 280 acres of land near 
Greensburg, Ind., and had it apportioned off into 
"out-lots," of five acres each. These Mr. Randel 
sold so that he realized about §1 50 per acre, and 
most of the money thus received he hivested in 
lands in Wapello County, Iowa, which was un- 
doubtedl}' one of the best things that ever hap- 
pened to this county, for it not only secured an 
enterprising and energetic business man, but a val- 
uable citizen to this section. 

The marriage, of Benjamin Randel and Miss Ma- 
randa Lathrop w.as celebrated in 1832. Mrs. Ran- 
del was a native of Canada, and born March 30, 
1811. She was the daughter of Erastus and Delia 
(Ingles) Lathrop, both of whom were natives of 
Connecticut, but afterward became residents of 
Canada and then of Vermont. They removed from 
the Green Mountain State to Indiana in 1815, hav- 
ing left Canada during the War of 1812. Erastus 
Lathrop served as a soldier in that war, and retired 
with the rank of Colonel. Both parents died in 
Indiana. 

Mr. and Mrs. Randel became the parents of ten 
children, the record of whom is as follows : J. M. 
married Miss Martha Terhoon, and resides in Mis- 
sissippi; E. L. married Miss Rachel Draper, and re- 
sides in Center Township, this county; Margaret J. 
is the wife of William Meek, and they are living in 




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;i84 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



Monroe Couiitv. this State; Martha rlierl in infancy, 
and William at the age of sixteen years: H(illiflay 
enlisted jis a soldier i>f the Inion. in the I2!(th In- 
diana Infantry, and died in Xasliville, Tenn., from 
disease contracted in the arm3- ; John iS'. married 
Miss Adelia l{rown. and lives in this county; El- 
niira is the wife of Thomas Spillman, and they are 
living in Ottnmwa; Morris E. and Harriet are de- 
ceased. .Mr. ;ind .Mrs. Kandel are both members in 
good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Politically our subject is a conscientious Repub- 
lican, and in Indiana was one of the Associate 
Judges of Decatur County. 

A tine portrait of ^Ir. Raudel is shown on an- 
other page of this work, also a view of his home. 



-*- 



.S. KEXT, a liveryman at Xos. Ill and II. 'J 
\^'est Second street, Ottumwa, has been in 
this business since 1881. He has twelve 
head of horses, a fine hearse, and gives special at- 
tention to the undertaking department. As a liv- 
eryman he is pleasant and accommodating, and has 
a fine patronage. Our subject was born in Greene 
County, Pa., Aug. 24, 1845, and is a sou of John 
and Eliza (Shields) Kent, the father being a farmei- 
by occupation. In 1874 the parents came to Iowa 
and remained one year, then returned to Pennsyl- 
vania, where they staid one year, and in the spring 
of l.sTf) came Imck to Iowa, remaining eighteen 
months, and then returned to Pennsylvania, where 
they have since remained. 

The subject of this sketch was reared upon a 
farm, receiving his education in the common 
schools of Pennsylvania. In 18G8 he came to Iowa, 
worked on a farm by the month for Mr. Buckner, 
and then rented the same in companj- with his 
brother Hiram, for one year. In 1870 Mr. Kent 
was united in marriage with Elizabeth C. Stevens, 
who was born in Wapello County, in 1848, and is 
the daughter of Benjamin and Mary Stevens. Mr. 
Stevens was a carpenter and machinist b}- trade, but 
for many years was engaged in farming. He is now 
deceased; his wife jet survives, and is living in 
this county. Mr. and ]Hrs. Kent have become the 
parents of seven children: Urie E., deceased; Mag- 



gie, decea.sed ; Hudson E.. at home: M.iud. de- 
ceased ; Mamie, Freddy and Hosie. 

Mr. Kent held the oHice of Deputy .Sheriff from 
the Uth of April, 18S4, to March 16, 1885, when 
he resigned the ottice, having lieen elected to that 
of City Marshal of Ottumwa, in which latter office 
he served one year. As an official Mr. Kent gave 
entire satisfaction to the people generally. He i^ 
a member of the Masonic fniternity. and politically 
is a Democrat. 



a-*-^- 



3' 




.S. CKIP.S, of Ottumwa, is successfully en- 
gaged with his brother in operating a trans- 
fer line, in connection with which he is 
also carrying on the largest liver}' and feed busi- 
ness in the city of Ottumwa. He is a thorough- 
going business man, energetic and straightforward, 
and is reckoned as one of the leading men in the 
business affairs of the city. Our subject is a native 
of Ross County, Ohio, and was born March 22, 
1847, his parents being AV. H. and Martha (Jones) 
Crips, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and 
Ohio. The father was of German descent and par- 
entage, and possessed the sturdy and honest attri- 
butes of his ancestors in a marked degree. The 
mother, a native of Ohio, is now living in Center 
Township. 

W. .S. Crips became a resident of this county in 
1850, coming here with his father. The latter pur- 
chased a farm in the township where he now resides, 
and our subject remained under the parental roof 
until he was twenty-five years of age, receiving- 
careful jiarental training at home and a fair educa- 
tion in the district schools. After leaving school he 
engaged in farming pursuits and as a stock-dealer, 
driving and shipping cattle for a period of one 
year, after which he abandoned this branch of busi- 
ness and confined his attention to fanning. In 
November, 1878, he persuaded his father to lease 
the farm to a tenant, and then purchased the trans- 
fer line which was owned and operated by T. E. 
Muir. He proved himself especially adapted to 
this business and met with success fi'oui the start. 
In June, 1881, he added to it the livery and feed 
business, and is on the high road to prosperity'. 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Now, in connection, he is running tlie only iins 
line in the city, formerly run by Con Lewis. 

The subject of our sketch was united in marriage 
with Miss Rosa L. Jeffries, of South Ottumwa, in 
1874. Mrs. Crips is the daughter of B. W. Jeff- 
ries, of Kentucky, and was born in Center Town- 
ship, this county, Aug. 12, 1857. .She has become 
the mother of two children, a son and daughter: 
B. W., born March 12, 1876, and Mary E., May 
19, 1881. Mrs. C. is prominentlj' connected with 
the Main street Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
socially Mr. C. is connected with the K. of 1'. They 
occup3' a handsome residence, pleasantlj' located, 
and are surrounded b}' all the comforts of life and 
man}' of its luxuries. 



^^EORGE D. HACKWORTH, deceased, was 
|l| ^— , one of the early pioneers of Wapello County, 
^^ij! coming to this section as early as 1845. He 
located in Center Townshijj and engaged in farm- 
ing pursuits, building up for himself a record as an 
honest man and a good citizen, and the encourager 
and supporter of ever}- worthy enterprise calcu- 
lated to advance the interests of this community. 
Our subject was a native of Mrginia, born March 
8, 1810. When a young man Mr. Hackworth re- 
moved to Ohio, where he met the lady of his choice, 
and the}- were married there in 1832. In August, 
1845, they started west across the Mississippi, and 
coming into Wapello County, Iowa, located upon 
a farm in Center Township, and became engaged 
in agi'icultural pursuits. 

Upon coming to this county the native talents 
and ability of Mr. Hackworth received ready rec- 
ognition, and he was at once selected as a leader 
in the affairs of this section. He was soon after- 
ward elected County Surveyor, and superintended 
the work of determining the township lines, and 
laid off several additions to the town of Ottumwa. 
In 1874 he was elected County Auditor, which 
position he filled for two years. He afterward 
went to Kansas and died in 1877. The partner of 
his early manhood and the mother of his children 
had preceded him to the better land in 1856, in 
Center Township. They were both devoted mem- 



bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and con- 
tributed liberally of their means to charitable pur- 
poses and the support of worthy objects. They en- 
joyed the confidence and respect of a large circle of 
acquaintances who hold their names in kindly re- 
membrance. 



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y^TLLIA:\l SHADFORD, a furniture dealer 
and undertaker of Agency City, is an old 
W^ resident of this section, and is the senior 
member of Shadford & Son. He was born in Yorl< 
County, England, Aug. 13, 1808, and is the son of 
John and Mary (CoUinson) Shadford, the latter of 
whom died when her son, our subject, was a little 
lad of ten years old. Ten years later John Shad- 
ford emigrated to America, and proceeding to 
Pennsylvania remained there for a brief time, and 
then went into Lorain County, Ohio, where he es- 
tablished a comfortable home and passed the re- 
mainder of his life, dying in the winter of 1854, 
and having in the meantime married his second 
wife. 

The subject of our sketch, while a boy, was ap- 
prenticed to the blacksmith's trade, at which he 
served seven years, and emigrated to America in 
1862. The late Civil War being then in progress, 
he proffered his services in aid of the Union cause 
by enlisting in the 19th Iowa Infantry, but was re- 
jected on account of his age. He determined, how- 
ever, to try it again, and shortly afterward enlisted 
in the 37th Infantry, and was promoted First Ser- 
geant, in which capacity he served until the close 
of the war, being on guard duty most of the time. 

William Shadford was married to Miss Ann Dug- 
gleby, March 30, 1839. Mrs. Shadford was a na- 
tive of the same country as her husband, and was 
the daughter of John and Jane (Dollie) Duggleby, 
who lived and died in their native England. Mr. 
and Mrs. Shadford became the parents of seven 
children, as follows: John C. married Miss Nancy 
Palmer, and they live in Ross County, Ohio; 
Charles M. departed this life in Cleveland, Ohio. 
Charles D. married Miss Margaret Clinton, of Fair- 
field, Iowa, and they are living in Agency City ; 
Mary J., Mrs. G. L. Littler, lives iu Moline, 111.: 



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Elizabeth A. is the wife of P. AV. Wilcox, and tliey 
live in Mendota, III.: Willinni 1). ilied in IMoG; J. 
O. B. is married, lives at Leaf River, 111., and is a 
luinister of the Methodist ('lunch. 

Our subject is the owner of valuable property in 
Agency, is a inenil)er in "ood standing of the J. O. 
O. K.. and l>elont;> t<> the Methodist Episcopal 
C'luuch. In politics lie is a Republican. He is a 
straightforward and upright business man, and in 
all respects is entitled to a place among the lirst 
citizens of Agencv. 




IIDMAS .). LAFFERTY, decea.sed, and a 
late resident of Eddyville, was born in Har- 
rison Country, Ohio, Oct. 15, 1826, and gave 
lis life to the service of his country, dying on the 
14th of October, 1876, from injuries and exposure 
received during his service in the arm}'. Mr. Laf- 
ferty was the .son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Mans- 
field) Laffert}-, the father a native of Ohio and the 
mother of Pennsylvania. When he was a youth of 
fifteen years old, 'Sir. Lafferty crossed the Missis- 
n\[)\n willi his parents while Iowa was yet a Terri- 
tory, and they located in Jefferson County, near 
Fairfield. There our subject was reared upon a 
fariu and rciiiaiiied until I.S4G. His parents then 
removed to the vicinit}' of Des Moines, where the 
father departed this life in 1848; the mother's 
death took jilace in Sacramento, Cal., in 1884, at 
the age of seventy-four j'ears. Our subject ve- 
maiiied near Des Moines until 1848, and then re- 
turned to Harrison Count}-, Ohio, where he was 
united in marriage with Miss Lucy R. Caves, a na- 
tive of that county, and the daughter of John and 
Frances (Ross) Caves, who were lioth natives of 
\'irginia, but were reari'd in Alaliania.. 

The household of our sutiject and wife consisted 
of five children, the record of whom is as follows: 
Airgiuia became the wife of (iale Tone, of Ohio; 
Frank is engaged in the grocery liusiness at Oska- 
loosa; John A. resides at home; Ella is the wife of 
AVilliam Reilick, of Flint, Mich., and Ilattie is a 
teacher and makes her home with her mother, who 
resides at their late residence at Kddvville, and 



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is a lady highly esteemed and respected in that 
community. 

Immediately after his marriage in 1848, Mr. Laf- 
fert}- came with his wife to Keokuk, Iowa, where 
they lived until 1861. They then removed to 
Eddyville, where Mr. l^atterty engaged in the liv- 
ery business for the following year, and then in 
1862 was aijpointed Provost IVLarshal. which office 
he occupied for seven years. In the meantime, the 
late Civil A\'ar being in jn'Ogre.ss, yir. Lafferty 
raised a company of volunteers, and with them was 
mustered into service at Davenport, Dec. 30, 1^63. 
He received the commission of First Lieutenant of 
Co. I, 9th Iowa Vol. Cav., and served until July, 
1864, being then discharged for disability on ac- 
count of injuries received by being thrown from a 
horse. He then returned to Eddyville, and en- 
gaged in the marble business, which he continued 
until he was obliged to give it up. owing to ill- 
health. He was a man of great courage and iter- 
severaivce, and attended to his business affairs long 
after many a man would have abandoned them. 



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T. SAGE, Postmaster of Agency, has been 
of the Hawkeye State since 1851, 
/l^--^ and during a period of over thirty years has 
acquitted himself as one of the most valuable citi- 
zens of this locality. Mr. S. is a native of Jack- 
son County, Ind., and was born Jan. 31, 1829, his 
parents being James and Rebecca (Powell) .Sage, 
natives of Indiana and North Carolina, respectively, ^ 
the latter of whom emigrated to Indiana with her 
parents in early youth, and was married to the 
father of our subject in Jackson County. Their 
household circle included ten children, six of whom 
are living, as follows : E. T., our subject, was the 
eldest born; Nancy J., now Mrs. George Miller, gt 
lives in Louisville, Ky.; Dr. E. H. Sage is engaged i 
in the practice of his profession at Agency, and 
Dr. D. M., in Howard County, Iowa; Kate F. be- 
came the wife of William Owens, of Louisville, 
Ky. ; Luda is married to J. M. Murry. Deputy Post- 
master of Ottumwa. 

The father of our subject was one of the prom- 
inent men of .lackson County. Ind., and besides 



1 







Br^LH^Ki 






[=1 filling many other responsible positions, was County 
[?l t'ommissioner for many years. In 1S.52 he came to 
*S Jefferson Countj', Iowa, and settling in Fairfield, 
(Uigtiyed in agricultural i)ursuits. He was very act- 
ive in educational matters and gave his children 
the advantages of the best schools in this region. 
He experienced all the hardships and difticulties of 
the pioneer settler, especiallj^ in Jackson County, 
lud., and possessed the peculiar faculty of adapting 
himself to circumstances, which enabled him to 
euconnter the difficulties of life with manly cour- 
age and resokitiou. He was promiuently connected 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he 
was Class-Leader for manj- years, and departed from 
\^ the scenes of his earthly labors Jlay l.i, 1800. His 
wife died Dec. 11, 1871. 

Mr. Sage of this biography received careful i)ar- 
cntal training aiid a fair education in the pioneer 
jff schools of Indiana, which were conducted in a log 
cabin with pucheon floor, slabs for seats and desks, 
and greased paper for window-panes. He remained 
under the parental rcjof until twenty-one years of 
age and then, coming to Iowa, located in Jefferson 
County, where he purchased 110 acres of kind and 
opened up a farm. Three years later, in 18,54, he 
w.as married to Miss Elizabeth J. Lydick. who was 
born in Knox County. Ohio, and came to Iowa 
when a child. Mr. Sage remained ujion his farm 
for a period of twelve years and then, coming to 
Agency, embarked in agriculture. In the course of 
time he was appointed Assessor, and became Post- 
master of Agency under the Cleveland administra- 
tion, in August, 188.5. 

The children of our subject and wife are three 
in number: L. S., of Falls City, Neli.; Ch.arles H., 
of Endicott, ]S'eb., and Florence K., the wife of 
Thomas Kirkpatrick, of Westphalia, Kan. Mr. and 
Jlrs. S. are members of the Jlethodist Episcojjal 
Church of Agency, and are highly esteemed in this 
comnuMiity for their excellent personal traits of 
character and the qualities which have made them 
useful and valued citizens. iMr. Sage has been 
identified with the growth of the State for man\" 
years, and has lived to see the wild prairie trans- 
formed into fertile farms and beautiful homesteads. 
During his long residence here he has become 
widel}' and favorablj- known, and i> as much es- 



teemed for his straightforward business methods as 
for his kindly and hospitable character. He is an 
honered member of the A. F. & A. M., belonging ^ 
to Olive Branch Lodge No. 21, and of Magnolia 
Lodge No. -24, I. O. O. F., having passed all the 
chairs of the latter. 



/AMES J. SMITH, attorney at law of Ot- 
tumwa, is a native of the Hawkeye State, 
and was born in lowaCitj', Johnson County, 
Feb. 12, 1854. He is the son of Andrew 
and Mary (Donohue) Smith, of Irish ancestry and 
parentage, who came to America in 18.50. locating 
first in Ohio, from which State they subsequentl3- 
removed to Illinois. Two years later they crossed 
the Father of AVaters and came into Iowa City, 
subsequently locating upcju a farm, where the father 
became one of the largest stock-raisers in the State 
of I(^wa. They were the parents of two children 
— J. J., our subject, and his sister Katie. Andrew 
Smith retired from the active labors of his farm 
and stock-raising in 188.5, and became a resident 
of Ottumwa, where he is at present living. He is 
a man of remarkable intelligence, an extensive 
reader, and keeps himself thoroughly posted upon 
all important general matters. He is held in the 
highest respect in this county, where his name is 
familiarly known. 

The subject of our biography received his pri- 
mary education In the schools of Iowa City, after 
which he entered the State Universlt3-, first taking 
a collegiate course of four years, and graduating 
from the law department in 1879. That same year 
he came to Ottumwa and commenced the practice 
of his [irofesslon. He had been a close student, 
ambitious to excel, and for his close attention and 
Industr3' has obtained the reward of a high position 
among his professional brethren In this section. 

He has a fine law library, and possesses an intl- 
nuite acquaintance with the views and opinions of 
the men who became eminent In the profession 
from the beginning to the present in the history of 
thi> country. Politlcall}' lie is an uncompromising 
Democrat, and lias done his party good service by 
lis >tunip speeches pri^>r to important elections. 





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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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The marriage of James J. Smith and Miss Maiy 
T. Shields was celebrated on the 2;>th of September, 
1S85. Mrs. Smith comes from an excellent family 
and is a niece of the late (ien. James T. Shields, 
one of the heroes of the late war. Mrs. S. is a na- 
tive of Ireland and came to this conntrj^ when a 
child, residing with her uucle, Gen. Shields, np to 
the time of his death, the greater part of her edu- 
cation having been received here. Of this union 
there has been born one child, a son, James L. 



^->'>^:i?Hi^5<^' 





ylLLIAM A.'.McINTIRE, Superintendent 
of the Public Schools of Wapello Count3', 
and at present a resident of Ottumwa. is a 
young man of whom much may be said regarding 
the zeal he has manifested in educational matters in 
this county and State. Mr. Mclntire was born in 
\Vapcllo County, April 11, 1849. The father of 
onr subject, William Clark Mclntire, was born and 
reared to manhood in Clarke Count}". Ohio, where 
he became acquainted with Miss Eliza A. Myers, 
(vho afterward became his wife. The}' were mar- 
ried in 1.S43, and immediately thereafter removed 
to this .State and located in Keokuk Township, this 
county. Soon afterward he took up a claim of 
Government land, and at once locating upon it 
engaged actively in its improvement and cul- 
tivation, and continued in that vocation until his 
demise, Jan, 30, 1881. He w.as an old Jacksonian 
Democrat, well posted in politics, and at one time 
was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors. 
Willi.Tm C. Mclntire w.as a pif)neer, and on first 
coming to the State domiciled his familj- in a little 
log cabin and endured all the hardships incident to 
a new countr}-, but was possessed of that energy 
which conquered adversit}- and brought him suc- 
cess. He always took an active interest in educa- 
tional m.atters, and bestowed upon his children a 
good education. The family ctm.«isted of six chil- 
dren, four sons and two daughters : Caroline C. died 
when five years of age; Joseph died Jan. 6, 188G, 
at thirty 3'ears of age; John is now living on the 
old homestead ; Frank is a member of the firm of 
Ibii-per, Chambers it Co., wholesale and retail deal- 
's j^^H ^^^^^^ 



ers in hardware; Harriet F. became the wife of 1). 
G. JJavis, who is deceased, and she is now living at 
J^os Angeles, Cal. The mother of our subject died 
July 31, 1882. She was a member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, and a sincere Christian, 
loved and respected for her many good traits of 
character. These two were the persons who came 
to Iowa, like many others, poor in pocket, but with 
a determination to get on in the world, and by strict 
economy, hard labor and good judgment, succeeded, 
and at their death left 340 acres of finely cultivated 
and valuable land to their children. 

The subject of this notice was reared on his 
father's farm and received his early education in 
the primitive log school-house of that day. He 
continued to reside upon the old houicstead until 
twenty-one years of his life had passed, in the 
meantime having had the i)rivilege of attending 
the High School at Ottumwa two j-ears. In 1870- 
71 he attended the Agricultural College at Ames, 
Iowa, and on finishing the sophomore course, en- 
gaged in teaching school in Taylor County. In the 
fall of 1877 he was elected to the office of Super- 
intendent of Schools of this co\inty. In 1879 he 
was defeated for the position, but in the fall of 
1881 was elected .again, and re-elected in 1883, and 
also in 188.'). In 1883 he j^repared and introduced 
a course of study for the country schools of the 
count}'. He has done much to advance the cause 
of education throughout the county as well as 
State. He is a close student and highly respected 
wherever he is known. 

In 1882 our subject intrtiduced a four years" 
graded course of study in the County Normal In- 
stitute, since which time the Institute has rai)idly 
grown in favor and importance. The schools 
throughout AVapello County are progressing finely 
under his supervision, and it is doubtful if any 
county in the State has a better system of public 
schools than is to be found here, and when the 
reader is aware of the fact that the schools have 
attained their high degree of perfection through 
the supervision of Mr. Mclntire of this notice, too 
much credit cannot be given him. 

Mv. Mclntire w.is married in the county of his 
nativity, March 26, 1874, to Miss Clara M. Golds- 
berry. She was b'orn in Kuss County. Ohio, .luly 






HHHE^I^ig 







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.14 : 







WAPELLO COUNTY. 



1.5, 1849. Sociallj- our subject is a member of the 
K. of P., holding- fellowship with Wapello Lodge 
Xo. 12. 



1 




^;INFIELD 8. COEN, senior member of the 
law firm of Coen & Hall, of Ottiimwa, is a 
native of Perr}^ County, Ohio, where he 
was born April 9, 1847. He is the son of Samuel 
Coen; of Lancaster Count}', Pa., whose birth took 
[)laeo on the 4th of August, 1815, and he was an 
hifant of a j'ear old when his parents removed to 
Perry County, Ohio, where ho was reared to man- 
hood, and united in marriage with Miss Mar}' A. 
McCormiek, who was a 'relative of Cyrus 11. Me- 
Cormick, of Chicago. She was born on the 2d of 
March, 1814. After the birth of nur subject they 
emigrated West and located in Monroe County, 
Iowa, where the father died iin the 2.")th of Decem- 
lier. 1883. His wife had preceded liim to the bet- 
ter world on the 11th of April, 1 S(i9. The paren- 
tal household consisted of five children, three of 
whom are living, viz.. ,)ames, an attorney at law at 
Albia, this State ; John, a farmer i if Monroe County, 
and AVlnfleld S. of our sketch. 

'Slv. Coen of this liiography received his earl}' 
ediication in the common schools of Monroe 
County, Iowa, which were conducted in the pio- 
neer log house. Altht^iugli his advantages were 
comparatively limited, he was industrious and very 
fond of his books, and employed his liisui-e time in 
acquiring valuable knowledge. In 18<I4, although 
only seventeen years of age, he pi-offered his serv- 
ices as a soldier of the Union, eulisti)ig in Co. A, 
5th Iowa Vol. Cav., the first scenes of his military 
experience being in Middle Tennessee and (Georgia. 
He was engaged with his c<,)mra(les in active serv- 
ice against the rebel raid> of AVheeler and Forrest, 
and participated in the battle of Frankliu.and after 
the hard campaign around Xashville was engaged 
with his regiment in following up the troops of 
Gen. Hood, and afterward participated in the fa- 
mous brigade charge at Pulaski, Tenn.. charging 
the rebels and burning the l)ridges along the loute, 
being under rebel lire uuich of the time. Mr. Coen 
received a wound in the foot while his regiment 




was four miles west of Pulaski, on account of which 
he received an honorable discharge on the 14th of 
July, 18G5. 

After his return from the army, Mr. Coen pro- 
ceeded to Monroe County, Iowa, and engaged in 
farming pursuits, which, after two years, he was 
compelled to abandon on account of his wound. 
He then engaged in teaching school in this county,- tj 
and was thus employed until 1875, when he took h 
up the study of law. In August of that year he 
was admitted to the l)ar, and was soon afterward 
associated in partnership with his brother, the style 
of the firm being Coen & Coen, having their office 
in Albia. They operated together until February, 



m 

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1881, when Winfield S. came to Ottumwa, where } } 
he managed an office alone for the following four "^ "^ 
years. He then associated himself with his present 
partner, and they have built up a solid and lucra- 
tive practice. 

Mr. Coen is a close stuilent, well read in his pro- 
fession, and has always taken an active interest in 
local and .State politics, being, at the time of this 
writing, a candidate for Prosecuting Attorney of 
Wapello County. Socially he is connected with |[| 
the G. A. R. and L ( ). O. F. 

Mr. Coen was married on the 1st of January, 
1878, to Miss Martha E. Harbison, of Albia, I(^)wa. 
Mrs. Coen was born on the 18th of September, 
184G, and is the daughter of the late William Har- 
bison. Of her union with our subject there have i,., ^ .i 
been born three children — Walter S., Thomas F. KiiiJni 
and John K. They are [ileasantly located on JIain 
street in this city, and nund)er among their friends 
the first citizens of Ottumwa. 



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*@f^i^^2r7»^^ '\A.~v 




T. MILLER, attorney at law and loan 
agent of Ottumwa, has been a resident of 
the Hawkeye .State since his early child- 
hood. He was born in Licking County. 
Ohio, on the 2d of May, 1843, and when only a few 
years old his parents removed to the Buckeye 
State acioss the Mississippi into the young and 
rapidly growing .State which has since been the 
home of our subject. They first located in Keokuk 
County, in the town of Sigouniey. where their son 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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was reared to manhood, havinjr in the meantime re- 
ceived a liberal education. After completing his 
jjrimary course he entered the Iowa State Univer- 
sity, and was in that institution during I.sii3. 

The Civil War being then in progress, in February 
of the foUowing year Mr. Miller enlisted in Co. (i, 
lath Iowa Vol. Inf., as a private. With his com- 
rades he joined the regiment at A'icksburg, going 
with them subsequently to Huntsville, Ala. and 
afterward participating in the siege of Atlanta. 
He was also in the engagement at Big Shanty, Keu- 
nesaw Mountiiin, Peachtree Creek, and participated 
in other engagements and skirmishes, and was also 
with Gen. Sherman on his march to the sea. He 
was present at the surrender of Savannah, Ga., and 
with his regiment marched through the Carolinas, 
being at the capture of Columbus, S. C, and one 
of the first men to enter the city, which entrance 
was effected on the loth of February, lisGS. lie 
was afterward detailed to accorapan3- a foraging 
excursion, from which he returned in time to assist 
in the capture of F"a3'etteville, N. C, thence going 
to Bentonville, the .same State, and engaging under 
(ien. Sherman in his last battle. The brigade 
thence was ordered to Washington for grand re- 
view, where our subject, with his comrades, was 
mustered out, and received his final discharge at 
Davenport, Iowa. 

At the close of his military- career, Mr. Miller en- 
tered the ofKce of C. II. Maekey, in the meantime 
attending Normal School. He afterward, while en- 
gaged as a teacher, pursued his law studies under 
the instruction of W. W. Corj', of Ottumwa. He 
was admitted to practice in the courts of Iowa, in 
September, 1872, and entered upon his profession, 
to which he has since added his business of loan 
agent. He is au energetic man, a close student, 
and attends strictly to business. He keeps well 
posted in the affairs of his State and county, and is 
a man whose judgment is considered more than 
usually reliable. Politically he is a stanch Repub- 

I lican and actively interested in the support of the 
principles of his party. Socially he is connected 

^ with Ottumwa Lodge No. 16, A. F. ife A. M., and 
Clinton Chapter. He is a member of the I. X. (;.. 
and also of Cloutman Post No. 64, (i. A. li.. being 
Post Commander. 



The marriage of I). T. Miller and Miss M.lrv 
Griswold was celebrated in Keokuk County on the 
2d of October, 1872. Mrs. Miller is a daughter of 
W. II. and Sarah (Onderkonk) (Jriswold, both na- 
tives of Lock P.erlin, N. Y., and was l>orn on the 
18th of April, Is.jO. Of tliis union there have 
been born two children — Maude and Sidney' G. 
The}' occup3' a i)lcasant residence in Ottumwa, and 
their home is replete with the evidences <^f refined 
and cultured tastes. 



'^»- 




Al'L ARNOLD, a representative farmer 
I 111 and stock-grower of Columbia Township, 
^^p'^ is comfortably located on section 34, where, 
beside his agricultural pursuits he is giving 
considerable attention to the raising of fine stock. 
Mr. Arnold has been a resident of the Hawkeye 
State since 18,52, and at one time was the owner of 
.577 acres of land in the above township, a part of 
which he has given to his children. He now owns 
387 acres, has a fine farm dwelling, with good barns 
and out-buildings, and has attained to his present 
position by the exercise of his own industry- and 
economy. 

The subject of this history was born in ^\'ashing- 
ton County, Ohio, March (i, 1826, and is the son of 
John .and .Sarah (Althey) Arnold, l>oth natives of 
W^est Virginia, who moved to Ohio in about 1820, 
and engaged in farming pursuits. The country was 
new at the time of their going there, and thej' la- 
bored industriously for the establishment of a 
home. They were successful in their undertakings, 
and at the death of the father, which took place 
while he was still in the prime of life, being fort}'- 
six years old, he was the owner of 140 acres of val- 
uable land, finely improved and under a good state 
of cultivation. A portion of this farm w.is after- 
ward divided into suburban outlots in the town of 
McArthur. Tlie parental household included ten 
children, of whom our subject was the third in or- 
der of iiirlh. He remained under the home roof 
until he arrived at years of manhood, and on the 
18th of -Alarch. 184!J, was united in niarria^e with 



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RESIDENCE OF A . J . J ENKI N5 , S EC. 26 . CASS TOWNSHIP . 




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RESIDENCE OF R . H . T I N D E LL , 5 EC . 2 7 , R ICH L A N D TP, 






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BRILLIANT 



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RESIDENCE OF P. 5 . W i L5 O N , S E C , 1 , C ENTR E TP . 






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Xl±±iXJ.X HJIXXI ijxitri ITT 
ririiiiTrUYii"iijiiJHTTiiiTXiri33: 




WAPELLO COUNTY. 



393 



Miss Mai V Speed. Mrs. Arnold was l)oni in Atliens 
County, Ohio, on tlie 9tli of November, 1S2!I. and 
w.is the daughter of George and Merc^' (Kobin- 
ett) Speed, both natives of Ohio. A few years hiter 
tiiey removed to Wapello County, Iowa, where Mr. 
Arnold purchased 160 acres of land, which he added 
to from time to time, as before stated. Thej' became 
the i)arents of seven children, the record of whom 
is as follows: Sarah E. was born March f<, 1850, in 
A'inton County. Ohio, and became the wife of Da- 
vid Canfield,a farmer of Clou<l County, Kan.; (t. F. 
w.as born April l(j, 18.52, in \'inton County, Ohio, 
and is living in Wapello County, engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits; Amon S. was born April 13, 
1 Ho J, in AVapello County, Iowa ; John, a farmer of 
Cass Township, was born March 31, 18.57; James 
G., Aug. 15, 1861 ; Amanda, born Sept. 1, 1864, be- 
came the wife of Andrew Stodghill, a farmer of Col- 
umbia Township; Charles, born Sept. 2, 1866, is en- 
gaged in farming in Wapello County. John re- 
ceived forty-six acres of land frt)m his father. 
(Jeorge and Amon each received seventy-eight and 
one-half acres, and are established in comfortable 
homes. The others will probablj' be similarlj' pro- 
vided for upon their marriage. 

^Vheu JMr. Arnc>ld first lauded in Iowa he was the 
owner of two old horses and a wagon to match, 
and had a cash capital of i!l9.50. His present pos- 
sessions are the result of his own industry-, and he 
is a striking illustration of what may be accom- 
plished by resolution and perseverance, lie is es- 
sentially a self-made man, and his straightforward, 
upright course through life has secured him the 
confidence and esteem of the people of this commu- 
nity. He has held the various township offices, and 
in his political views assimilates with the Repub- 
lican party. He has given his children a good edu- 
cation, and has had their interests steadily in view 
from the time the little family began to gather 
about his hearthstone. Although having passed the 
meridian of life, he has been so temperate in his 
habits that his health has been preserved unim- 
paired, and he is strong and capable, doing all his 
own work and attending to ids business concerns. 
He is now feeding 600 head of sheep, and seventy 
head of cattle, turning liis attention mostly to 
stock-raising, and dcrivinsi a liandsome income 



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from his investments. To such men as Paul Ar- 
nold is this county indel)ted for the proud position 
which it holds among other prosperous communi- 
ties of Iowa. 






-V-- 



ILLIAM McNETT, senior partner of the 



firm of McNett & Tisdale, of Ottumwa, is 
^ „ a prominent f.actor in the business interests 
of this city, and is one of its most thorough-going 
and enterprising citizens. Mr. McNett is a native 
of the Prairie State, having been born at Mt. Mor- 
ris, Ogle County, on the 10th of March, 1845. 
He received his earl}' education in the schools of 
Ogle and Stephenson Counties, and later, attended 
Rock River Seminary, leaving there in 1864. In 
the meantime he worked upon a farm during the 
summer seasons and pursued his studies through 
the winter. In 1867, at the age of twenty-two 
years, he entered the office of Thom.as Turner, of 
Freeport, and under his instructions pursued the 
studj' of law, and was admitted to practice on the 




m 






27th of iSIay, 1868, his certificate being signed by %=' 
Judges Lawrence, Breeceand Walker of theSupremt 



Court of Illinois. In June following, Mr. McNett 
came to Marshalltown, Iowa, and commenced tlie 
practice of his profession. Fiv.e years later he 
practiced in the Supreme Court, and soon after- 
ward was admitted to the United States Court. 

Mr. McNett has been a resident of Ottumwa 
since 1869. He soon afterward formed a partnei- -HLJl 
ship with Henry Clement, of F^ddyville, and Mr. 
Fawcett, of Ottumwa, he being the junior member 
of the firms. This last firm dissolved in 1872, and 
for the following ten years Mr. McNett practiced 
alone, the present i)artnership being formed in 
April, 1882. The firm of which our subject is a 
member is one of tlie strongest in the count}'. Mr. 
McNett commenced life at the foot of the ladder, 
and may be properly termed a self-made man. He 
is a close student, and lia.~ followed the intricacies 
of his profession with untiring perseverance and 
determination; he is considered one of the be.<t ad- 
\ocates in the county, and occupies a leading p(»i- 
tion in legal transactions. Though having an iii- 



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KITH 



:ixtirxiiMrixS;i - 



394 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



tellifrent interest in public matters he has given 
veiy little time to practical politics other than to 
make a few speeches during the busiest part of a 
campaign. He is still young, with great possibili- 
ties within his reach, and those wiio are interested 
ill iiis welfare will rejoic-e at iiis ultimate success. 

\\illi;ini AIcNett and Miss Mary Stoddard were 
united in marriage on the 24th of July, IsJi'. 
.Mrs. ]\IcN. is a native of Clarke County. Ohio, and 
the daughter of John Stoddard. She is an estim- 
alilc and accomplished lady, and of her union 
witli our subject there have been born five children, 
two sons and three daughters — Nellie, Blanche, 
Walter. James W. and Mary. P.lanche died in 
1880. ^Ir. and Mrs. McN. are connected with 
the Congregational Church nf Ottumwa, and so- 
cially Jlr. McXett is a member in good standing of 
the Masonic fraternit_v. 

The fatiier of our subject was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, born July iO. 1803. He soon afterward re- 
moved with his [larents to Maryland, where he was 
reared and educated. The mother, Susan (Ivnodle) 
McXett, was a most estimal)le lady, and, with her 
husliand, was prominently connected with the I^iith- 
er:in Chiircii. of wiiich the latter was a member 
for a period of fifty years. They were familiarh- 
known in the locality where they resided as most 
exeellent and worthy' people, of kindly ami gener- 
ous impulses, and given to deeds of charity. They 
have left Iieliiud them the record of worthy lives, 
replete with virtues and excellent intlueiice. which 
will lie felt for many years to come. 




S. DAHKOW, Chief Train Despatcher of 
the Middle Division of the C, B. it Q. 
R. U.. at Ottumwa, Iowa, is a native of the 
(ireen Mountain State, having first opened 
|} Ills C3es to the light in .St. Albans, on the 21st 
<jf November, 18;>0. He is a son of yi. S. and Har- 
riet B. (Wiieeler) Darrow. who emigrated to Wis- 
cousin, and .settU'd in .lanesville, when our subject 
was a small cliilil. It was in the common schools 
of tliis latter place that young Darrow receiveil his 
e.arly edui'ation. an<l at the age of fourteen began 




^^^^^^•^:-'r^r^.- ' ? -^T^ 



SP^ 



the study of telegraph)-, being soon afterward em- 
])loyed by the C. (k N. \V. I{. U. Co., with whom he 
remained for the space of eighteen years. When 
Ijut twenty-one years of age he was appointed to 
the responsible position of train des|)atcher, with 
headquarters at the Kinzie street depot, Chicago, 
lierforming his duties in a jjrompt and satisfactory 
manner. 

ill 1882 our subject came to Ottumwa, where he I 
received the appointment of Chief Train Des- 
patcher of the C, B. it <l. R. R., which position he ; 
still retains. Having been " in the harness " since: 
he was fourteen years old. he may properly be ■ 
termed a thorough railroad man. Although still i 
yt)ung, he has the entire confidence of his enqiloy- ] 
ers, and bids fair to rise still higher in Ins jiro- 1 
fessioii. 

AI. .S. Darrow was married in 187(i. at Ft. .Vtkin- 
son. Wis., the lady of his choice being Miss Louise | 
M., daughter <jf Dr. W. M. Smith of that i)laee. : 
They have become the (larents of one child, a son, 
William W. Our subject and his wife occupy a 
prominent place in the social circles i>f Ottumwa, 
and are honored and respected by all who know 
them. Bolitically Mr. I), is a firm adherent of the 
Democratic party, for the support of whose princi- 
ples he casts his vote whenever opportunity occurs, j 



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V if/ ^^" CROW, successfully engaged as a dealer ^| 
W . //' ill general merchandise in the village of gij 



^^ Eldon, came to Iowa in 1844, .and estab- : 
lished his present business in 1 886. He is a native 5 

M 

of East Tennessee, born in Jefferson County in ; 
l.s:37, and the son of John and Betsey J. (Manson) ; 
Crow, both natives of the same State as their son. ; 
Mr. Crow came to Iowa with his p.arents. and = 
the^' settled in Apimnoose County. He had his j 
home in that vicinity until \xlO. when lie came to; 
Eldon, Wapello County, ami engaged as a fireman E 
(Ml tlie C. R. I. it 1'. R. R., and was thus occupied E 
for fourteen mouths, when he was given charge of E 
an engine, and was employed as engineer until Dec. E 
20, 1880. In AjMil of the following year lie pur-E 
chased a half iiiteiest in the store of (ieorge Ear-; 
hart, coiitiuuiiig in partnershiii with him until: 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



February, 1886, when he put up the brick building 
which he now occupies. This is "24 x 80 feet in 
dimensions, and consists of two stories and base- 
ment. He chopped the wood, burned the brick 
and hauled all the material used in its construction, 
and besides this it cost him the sum of $5,01)0. It 
fronts on Elm street, and is one of the handsomest 
business blocks in the count}'. It is finished in 
ornamental brick, after tlic most modern style, and 
all the material used in its coustruction is of the 
liest qualitJ^ 

Mr. Crow was married, on the 1st of .lanuarj, 
18.57, to Miss Marinda Thomas, :i native of Bar- 
tholomew Conntj', Ind., and a daujihter of Henry 
S. Thomas, of Bedford, Ind. Thej- are prominently 
connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Mr. Crow is a Republican in politics, and served 
as a soldier in the Union anii^' from the spring of 
1.SG4 until the close of the war. He is a member 
of the I. O. O. F. and Ccnterville Encampment, 
and also belongs to the G. A. K. 

Tlie father of Mr. Crow departed this life March 
10, 1881, at the age of sevent_y-two j'ears. The 
mother had previousl}' died, in 18.'j7, at the age of 
forty-four. They were upright and conscientious 
people, and members in good standing of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 




'(^_^ C. .JENNINGS, a highly respected resident 
of Competine Township, is pleasantly lo- 
cated on section 10, and successfull}- carry- 
ing on farming and stock-raising. He has 
een a resident of the Hawkeye State since 1851, 
and during this time has gathered about him a large 
circle of friends and associates who tacitly render 
him the respect and esteem which is due him as an 
honest man and a good citizen. Our subject is a na- 
il^ five of Kentucky, and was born on the lOtli of May, 
1 825, his parents being Peyton R. and Nanc}- Jen- 
nings, the former also being a resident of the Blue 
Grass State. The grandfatlier of our subject be- 
came a resident of Kentucky while Daniel Boone 
was there, and secured a tract of land in Owen 
County. While out huntiuii horses one day he 




ill 



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was captured by the Indians, scalped and toma- 
hawked and left for dead. He revived, however, 
and lived to become the father of four children. 

The early years of Mr. Jennings of our n(jticc 
were spent upon his father's farm, and he received 
a very limited education in the schools of his native 
county. After arriving at years of manhood he 
was united in wedlock with Miss Lavina A. Lamb, 
a native of his own State, and the daughter of John 
and Sarah L. (Grace) Lamb, also of the Blue Grass 
region. In 1851 Mr. Jennings left his native State 
and proceeded northwestward and across the Missis- 
sippi into Iowa. After reaching Wapello County 
he purchased forty acres of land in Competine 
Township, and commenced in earnest the estalilisli- 
ment of a home for himself and family. As time 
passed on he became successful in his farming ami l||l 
business transactions, and added to his possessions 
until he is now the owner of 240 acres, all of which 
are enclosed and under a good state of cultivation. 
He has a comfoJtablc farm residence, good barns 
and (jut-buildings, and all the appliances of a 
model farm estate. 

The household circle of our subject and his wife j jjjc^ 
has been completed by the liirtii of twelve children, 
four sons and eiglit daughters, of whom the record 
is as follows: John W., a resident of Glenwood, 
Iowa; Edward lives in Kansas; Lewis P. is at home; 
Peyton R. is deceased ; Alice became the wife of 
Samuel Spicer, of Abingdon, Iowa; Lena L. mar- 
ried Marion Foster, of Ringgold County, Iowa; Sa- 

rah L., Mrs. Noble Hays, resides in Ness Count}', S hj 
Kan. ; Nora is deceased ; Mary F., Amanda, Laura ——■ 
and Nancy are at Innne with their parents. They 
are a bright family of children, of whom the pa- 
rents ma}' be justly proud, and have been reared in 
those principles which will make them valued mem- 
bers of societ}'. The tine stock operations of Mr. 
Jennings have proved uniformly successful. He is 
thoroughly in love with this bi-anch of hisbusinc-- 
and maintains a just pride in his judgment of what 
is required for the care and comfort of animals and 
in developing those qualities which shall render 
them handsome and v;dual)le. Among his herd are 
some of the finest animals to be seen in this sec- 
tion, and he has attained quite a repntatii^m in tlii> 
section as a breeder and de:der. Politically ^Ir. .1. 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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is a stanch siippoiter of the Demooratio party, and 
religiously- he lielonos to the Christian Church. 
^Irs. .1. is connected with the JJaptist denomina- 
tion. 



/OSKl'll I.Ot KWOUlJ, -M. I).. phy>iciaii and 
magnetic healer, liaving his ottice at Ottuni- 
ua. «as born at Wiiitiug, Addison Co.. \'t.. 
^Ji Jan. 12. lf<."'.I. He is a son of Asahel and 
Axio (Pond) Loci<wood. Iun father l)eing a .soldier 
in tiie A\ :ir of l!Sl2. During the year l.s.'iT, ac- 
companied liy lii.- family, he emigrated to Decatur 
Count}', this State, where he died at the advanced 
age of eight3'-one years in 1S,S2. He was also a 
soldier in the late Civil War, enlisting as drummer 
and serving \nitil the close. His wife died in 1.SG3. 
Of their union there were born seven children, five 
of whom are yet living: Elizabeth, the wife of H. 
I). Hichanlson, and Horatio O. are living in I)e- 
c'llur County; .lohn <i. resides at Corydon, Wayne 
County, this .State; Joseph is our subject; Emil^y 
is the wife of Dr. C. P. IMullinix, and they live at 
Leon, Decatur Co., Iowa. 

.loseph Lockvvood was educated in the Green 
Mountain .State, and there reared to numhood. In 
September, 18o4, he came West, expecting to find 
a broader field in which to labor, and hoping to 
better his financial condition. He first located in 
Wisconsin, then went to Illinois, and in lM.j."j came to 
Iowa. Even while a young man Dr. Lockwood 
claims to have possessed healing (pialities. which 
were discovered liy his ability to assist many indis- 
posed persons, and relieve them of their many ills 
and pains. In 1.S71 he publicly commenced practice, 
and has since followed the same, meeting with re- 
markable success. He claims to have cured man}' 
cases where regular practicing physicians of all the 
different schools gave them u|), .-ind to-day has 
numerous patients throughout the country who will 
testify to this fact. 

In IMG;! Dr. Lockwood L-auie to Ottumwa, wheri' 
he has since resided. He is a gentleman of con- 
siderable ability, although his education was some- 
what neglected in early life, lie i^ well posted in 
the affairs of count\ . Stale and nation, and take.^ 



an active interest in all matters calculated to lul- 
vauce the community in which he lives. 

Dr. Lockwc)od was married at Ijloonilicld. D.-i\is 
Co., Iowa, to Miss E. Iliukle, and of this union 
there were born two children — James H. and Har- 
vey 1). Mrs. Lockwood died in 18(J8, and the 
Doctor formed a seconil matrimonial alliance, with 
Miss Lizzie M. Barton. This lady died in 18JS2. 
The maiden name of our subject's present wife was 
Xanie Tayhjr, a native of Brown County. 111., and 
of this latter union one child, Buelah Bell, has been 
born. Soci.ally Dr. Lockwood is a mend icr of the 
Masonic fraternity, and a gentleman of cousidera- 3|^ 
Ijle prominence in the community in which he re- 
sides. 

A handsome lithograjihic view of the Doctor's 
residence is shown on another page of this work. 




WfclLLlA.AI PAGE, a highly esteemed farmer i 
of Keokuk Township, is a native of the 
Buckeye State, having been born in Picka- 
way County, on the 3d of March, 1822. He 
is the son of William and Elizabeth (Roberts) 
Page, both natives of A'irginia, the former of whom 
died when our subject was a mere child. Young- 
William was then placed upon a farm, where he was 
reared until seventeen years of age, at which time 
his mother also departed from the scenes of earth, 
and he was left to fight the battles of life alone. 

After the death of his mother young Page was 
variously em|)loyed at farm work in the neighbor- 
hood where he had always lived, until he attained 
to his majority, and then, changing his occupation, 
was employed on a fiatboat, which plied the Wa- 
bash River fr<)m La Fayette to is'ew Orleans, and 
afterward ran on the Wabash, Ohio and Mississippi 
Rivers, upon different boats, for the following four 
years. He then returned to farm pursuits, in which 
he was octupied until l.s.")2, and then started over- 
land for California, wheie he remained until the 
death of his Inotlier, in Indiana, whither he had re- 
moved when he was lioy <,if thirteen years old. 

After remaining for a time in La Fayette, Ind.. 
Mr. Page returned overland to California, being 
on the road from .\laicli until the last of August. Sj; 
He jtarled with a team from Independence, .Mo.. B| 

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and after arriviiijr in California sold his team and 
entered the mines, engaging in a vigorous search 
for the precious metals. He was thus occupied for 
the following two years, when he returned to Indi- 
ana, and, on .account of his sister, purch.ased a farm 
there, placed her upon it, remained with lu'r a few 
nKinths, and then returned to California, where he 
remained till 1 800. He then returned East as far 
as Iowa, and pnreh.ased a farm near Floris, in Davis 
Count}^ This consisted of 240 .acres, and he occu- 
pied it until December of the following year, when 
he was once more seized with the gold fever, and 
started again for the Pacific Sloi)e via New York 
and Aspinwall. This journey occupied twenty-three 
days, and Mr. Page this time continued in Califor- 
nia until 11S().5, and then returned to Davis County, 
in April of that year, just after the assassination of 
President Lincoln. He went onto his farm neai- 
Floris, where he remained three years, and thence 
removed to a farm on Loop Creek, in Davis 
County, which he occupied a .year, and then jnir- 
chased a tract of land on sections 14 and 15, of 
Keokuk Township. This consisted of "240 acres, 
and he detei-mined niion a final settlement, and vig- 
ort)nsl3' set about its improvement .and cultivation. 
He was successful in his labors, and establisiied a 
comfortable home. On the 6th of (Jct(jber, 1.s8.t, 
.Mr. Page had the misfortune to lose his handsome 
property by Are, bj' which he was the loser to the 
amount of between $3,000 and 1^4,000. 

The marri.age of William P.age and Mrs. !Mar- 
garet C. (Monroe) Anderson was celel)rated on the 
Gth of March, l,S(i(). Mrs. P. was born in Trimble 
County, K}"., and is the daughter of William and 
Phiebe (Parkhain) Monro. In earl^- youth she was 
man'ied to John Anderson, and became the mother 
of three children: Lucy A. is the wife of .Tulius 
M. Morrison, of D.allas, Tex.; O. W. died in J^ead- 
ville. Col., in 18.81, at the age of twenty-six years; 
he was engaged there in mining, and was found 
dead in a cabin, presumably from heart disease ; 
Phfrbe E. died at the age of eighteen years, at the 
home of her mother in this countj'. t)f the mar- 
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Page there have been born 
two children : Mary, at home with her parents, and 
William Milton, attending the Noi'inal Sclniol at 
Dexter, Iowa. 






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The homestead of our subject is pleasantly loca- 
ted, and he Is successfully eng.aged in the ordinary 
pursuits of agriculture, .at the same time giving 
much attention to stock-raising. His residence. 
Isarns and out-lniildings are constructed in a taste- 
ful ;ind substantial manner, and the farm in all re- 
si)ects constitutes one of the attractive spots of 
Keokuk Towu5lii|). Mr. Page has accumulated his 
property solely by his own efforts, having com- 
menced in life at the foot of the ladder, with a lim- 
ited education and without capital. He has lieeu an 
industrious worker, a good manager, and a wide- 
awake business man, and in his later years is re- 
ceiving the reward which is his just due. In his 
early life he afliliated with the Whig party, but 
since the party organization of the Repul)licans he 
has cheerfully indorsi'd the principles of the latter, 
and has uniformly cast his vote in support of them. 
He is fulfllllng his obligations as a good citizen and 
enjoj's the conlidence and esteem of his neighbors 
and associates. 

John Anderson, the first husband of Mrs. Page, 
was born in Indiana, on the ,5th of March, 1828. 
He served in the I'nion army during the late war, 
in which he enlisted during the lirst year of the 
conflict, in December, 1861. He w.as a member of 
Co. C, 7th Iowa ^'ol. Cav., and was killed by the 
Indians at Cottonwood Springs, Xeb., where his 
remains were interred. He was a gtiod man in ever^' 
sense of the word and a member of the Baptist 
Cliiircii. 





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-^^^•HOMA.S (lOODALL. a well-known and le- 
/(/(^^ spected resident of the city of t)ttumwa, 
\^y was born in Glasgow, Ky., Jan. 1.'), 181,o. 
He is the son of Thomas and Mary (Baker) (lood- 
all, and removed from his native State to Hancock 
County, 111., at the age of nineteen years. He re- 
mained in Cartilage, that ctmnty, for two years fol- 
lowing, engaged in learning the carpenter's trade, 
and in 1836 came to Iowa and took np a claim in 
Van Buren Count}'. He occupied this for twenty- 
four years, in the meantime laboring industriousl}' 
for its improvement, .so that it became a valuable 



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398 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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farm. In 1859 he removed to Ottuniwa. and en- 
gaged in wagon-making until 1X84. 

The father of our subject was a slave-holder in 
Kentucky, but his son, notwithstanding his surround- 
ings, never looked with favor upon the peculiar in- 
stitution, and determined to escape from the 
boundaries of a slave-holding State as soon as pos- 
sible. In the meantime his father had sold the 
home farm and purchased another in Kentucky 
which was unimproved. He sent Thomas and a 
younger brother to his piu'chase to prospect for 
water, that being a very important consideration in 
that region. They went to the place designated l)y 
the father, and after digging awhile found a good 
Sluing. Thomas said to his brother, "If father sees 
this spring he will never leave here and we'll not 
get to go ^^'est.■■ So they covered up the spring 
carefully so that not a sign of it could be seen, and 
returning to their father told him there was no wa- 
ter on the place and persuaded him to move to Illi- 
nois, which was done and the boj's were satisfied. 
[j^Sjlj The parents died in 'N'an Buren Count}', the father 
in 18.5.J, aged seventy-live 3'ears, and the mother 
ill 18G4, at the age of eight}-. 

Thomas fioodall and .Miss Jane Cox were mar- 
ried in December, 1840. Mrs. .lane Goodall was a 
nntive of \'irginia and the daughter of Jefferson 
Cox, and b}' her union with our subject became 
the mother of three children: William H., now of 
Mitchellville, tliis State, served in the late war for 
three and one-half years in Co. K, 2d Iowa Vol. 
Inf. ; at the charge of Ft. Dimelson he received a 
gunshot wound in tlie arm which, however, did not 
seriously disable him, nnd lie remained with his 
comrades until the chjse of the war; W. B. is a 
wholesale druggist, engaged witii Blake, Bruce & 
Co., of Ottumwa; jMary E. became the wife of 
Robert Ball, a contractor and builder, of Mitchell- 
gville. The mother uf tlu'sc ciiildren departed this 
life in ^'an Buren County, in March, 1854, and in 
June, 1856, our subject was married to Miss S. E. 
Tindell, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of 
Nathan and Margaret (Ross) Tindell, natives re- 
spectively of North Carolina and Tennessee. Of 
this marriage there were Imrii the following: Fred 
T., a druggist of Ottumwa; Frank died Sept. 12, 
18G0, aged one 3'ear; Alice died in 1.SG2, at the age 



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of thirteen months; Hattie died in 1864, aged one 
year and eight months ; James E. died in Septem- 
ber, 18(J7, aged two years and five mouths; Hattie 
B. died in April, 1X8G, aged seventeen years, three 
months and seventeen days; Mattie M. is at home. 
jVIr. Ooodall owns a good residence on Fiftli 
street, and also has projierty in another part of tlic 
city. The greater part of his life has been spent 
in farming pursuits, and his energy and industry 
have served liiiii well so tliat in his later days lie 
is enjoying the fruits of his earl}- toil and the jusi 
reward of a well-snent life. 



A. .lORlJAN, who departed this life Ma\ 
1873, became a resident of the city nt 
Ottumwa in 18G2. and nineteen years ago 
established the business in which his widow still re- 
tains an interest. He was one of the representative 
citizens of Wapello County, and contributed his 
full share toward the advancement of the business 
and industrial interests of this section. The subject 
of this history was born in Ohio, Aug. 20, 1820, 
whence he removed with his parents to Indiana in 
about 1840. Subsequently he came to Iowa, locat- 
ing in Richland, Keokuk County, where he carried 
on general merchandising until 18G2. In this latter 
year he came to Ottuniwa and established the busi- 
ness in which he was engaged until the time cf I'.is 
death. 

The business block belonging to the estate is a 
foui-story brick building, and wa* built in 1873 at 
a cost of ti22,000. Mr. Jordan was a thorough- 
going, straightforward' business man, and remark- 
ably successful in his business transactions. He 
started in the world a poor boy, and his accumula- 
tions were the result of his own industry and wise 
judgment. He obtained a fair education in his 
early years, and for several terms taught school in 
Indiana. 

The marriage of ^^^ A. .lordan and Miss Maria 
McGrew was celebrated June 21, 1846. Mrs. J. 
was the daughter of William W. and Margaret 
(Milligan) McGrew, both natives of Pennsylvania, 
and there engaged in agricultural pursuits. Our 
subject and wife became the parents of twelve 



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children, all of whom are living, and recorded as 
follows : Walter B. is a wholesale merchant of St. 
Paul, Minn.; .1. W. and J. C. are in Ottnmwa, car- 
rying on the business of their father: A. C. is a 
merchant of Chicago; Charles L. ami ('•. \V. reside 
in Ottumwa; Marj' L. became the wife uf Ira A. 
Myers, of Ottumwa; Ada married B. W. Ladd, of 
Montana; Ida became the wife of (i. F. Hall, of 
this city ; Kittie and Inez V. are at lK)me with tiieir 
mother; Eva is at school. ^Irs. Jordan occupies 
the famil}' residence at 448 North Court street. 
She is a highly esteemed lady and a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Cliurch. 

W. CLARK, a worthi' agriculturist of Wa- 
pello County, which calling he has f(jllowed 
li the most of his life, may be found on his 
little farm on section 2, Cass Township, 
dail3' engaged in the general routine of mixed 
iuisbandry. He was born .Inly 3(1, 1837, in Jack- 
son Couuty, Ohio, and is a son of William and 
Elizabeth (Hartley) Clark, both of wh(jm were 
born and reared in the Buckeye State, whence they 
emigrated to Iowa in 18.51. The father was of 
(ierman and the mother of Irish extraction, .ind 
the}' became the parents of eight children, recorded 
as follows : Absalom is a farmer in Harrison County, 
Mo. ; Hiram is a carpenter and resident of Cass 
Township; A. W. was next in order of birth; Eliza, 
the widow of Isaac Strang, resides in Decatur 
Count}', Iowa; Isaac is also a resident of that 
county; Priscilla is the wife of M. II. Beltz, a 
farmer living in Nodaway County, Mo.; Aaron 
and AVilliam died in infancj'. 

When the father of our subject came to this 
count}' in 18,")l, he purchased an eighty -acre tract 
of wild land on which he located with his family, 
and he and his children at once began its improve- 
ment. He was born Jan. 4, 1806, and died Dec. 
23, 1870. At the date of his demise he had one of 
the finest improved farms in his neighborhood. 
He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and always took an active part in church 
matters. The mother survived him, and is at pres- 










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ent making her home with hei daughter, Mrs. Eliza 
Strang, of Decatur County. 

The early years of the life of our subject were 
l)assed on the old homestead, assisting in the labors 
on the farm, .•mil attending the common schools. 
Ho remained with his parents until 1858, when ho 
engaged to work for a Mr. Martin, and was with 
that gentleman a))out a year. On the i.ith of De- 
cember, 18.59, he was married to Miss Rhoda War- 
ren, who was born Aug. 2, 1842, and is a daughter 
of Filmore and Elizabeth (Nye) Warren. Her 
father was born and reared to manhood in Ohio, 
and the mother was born in Germany, lived there 
until she was thirteen years old, and then came to 
this country with iier jjarents and settled with them 
in Ohio. Of the union of Jlr. and Mrs. Clark there 
have been four children : Emma E., born Dec. 21, 
18G9, died Oct. 24, 1870; George M. was born 
Nov. 1, 1872; Frank, March 11, 1877, and Minnie 
May, Oct. 12, 1879. 

In 187(j Mr. Clark purchased fort}' acres of im- 
proved land where he is at present residing. He 
has good buildings on his place, and in addition to 
the cultivation of the cereals, is devoting a portion 
of his time and attention to the raising of stock. 
He and his wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, of which he is Steward, and is 
also active in Sunday-school matters connected 
therewith. Politically he votes with the Demo- 
cratic party. 



AVID BURTON. For upward of thirty- 
iV fuur years the subject of this notice has 
continued to reside within the boundaries 
of Wapello County and during that time 
has been actively identified with its agricultural 
development. Mr. Burton is at present engaged 
in the independent calling of a farmer, which he 
has followed thus far in life, and is pleasantly sit- 
uated on his fine farm on section 5, Center Town- 
ship. He was born in Sussex County, Del., Oct. 
21, 1810, and is the .son of Samuel and .Sarah 
(Spears) Burton, natives of that State but of F^n- 
glish descent. The mother departed this life when 
in her thirtieth year, and is buried in Sussex County. 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Slie was a member of the Methodist Episc-opal 
Cliiirch, a kind mother, a loving wife, a generous 
neighbor, and a good Cliristian woman. The father 
died at tiie age of foi'ty, and is also buried in Sus- 
sex County. He was likewise a Christian, and held 
fellowship with the Church of England. 

David Hurton was but six months old when his 
mother died, and he went to live with his uncle, 
John Burton, in whose household he continued to 
reside, engaged in farming and attending school until 
1H25. During that year he went to Philadelphia 
and served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith 
trade. After four years of h.ard labor, during 
which time he had completel3' mastered the trade, 
he returned to Delaware and went to work on a 
farm at ^^> per month. He was thus occupied for 
alxiul Icii months, receiving his wages in the mean- 
while for the purpose of preparing himself to take 
an imp(^rlant i)art in the greatest event of his life, 
which was that of his marriage. The lady whom 
he ciiose to aecompanj' him through the years of 
Ills future was Miss Ann A'essels, a daugliter of 
,Iolui .ind Perualpha (Fisher) \'essels, natives of 
Deiaw.'ire. Of the union of our subject with Mi.ss 
N'esscls nine children have been born: Samuel 
H. dii'd in infancy; William is a farmer of Center 
Townsliip, this county; Hester is the wife of Elijah 
Walker; Sarah E., deceased, was the wife of Ezekial 
Walker; Samuel A. lives in Polk Township; Ma- 
tilda J., wife of Ellas l\ark, a resident of Davenport, 
Iowa; (ieorgc R. is a farmer in Center Township; 
Mar}- L. and David T. died in infancy. 

The subject of this sketch came to Wapello 
Count}' in IS.'i'i, and purchased 200 acres of partlv 
inii>roved land. ( )n lliis tract he settled with his 
family, and with his sons began its improvement, 
adding thereto from year to year until he is at 
present the proprietor of ;!07 acres, all under fence 
and the major portion under an advanced state of 
cultivation. His farm is within five and one-half 
miles of Ottumwa. and is a valuable [jroperty, hav- 
ing upon it a good residence and other neces.sary 
farm buildings. 

The i)arents of .Mrs. Rui'ton were lioth active 
members of tiie Metho<list Episcopal Church. Her 
father died at the age of tifty.;uid her motlier when 
forty years old, and they are botii buried in Sussex 



County, Del. Mrs. David Burton is a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. In jiolitics our 
subject is a Republican. He is a self-made man, 
and what he has of this world's goods has been ac- 
cumulated through years of honest toil and econ- 
omy. 



^OHN H. LAFOLLETTE.a pioneer settler of 
Wapello County, came to Iowa in the fall 
of 1850. He purchased eighty acres in 
Adams Township, and opened up the farm 
which he still owns and occupies, and which now 
embraces 26G acres, under a gooil state of cultiva- 
tion. He has been remarkably successful in his 
farming and business transactions, and., besides the 
homestead, owns 240 acres in Union and 104 acres 
in Guthrie County. He was born in Putnam 
County, Ind., .luiie ."), 1828, and is the son of Jo- 
seph and Hester (Ilinton) Lafollette. both natives 
of Kentucky, where the}- were reared and married 
about the time that Daniel Boone became famon> 
for his exploits in that icgion. 

Joseph J^afoUette was born in l<s(ll, and die<l 
abc)Ut 1X77, in Putnam County, Ind.. whence he 
removed after his marriage. He w.as one of the 
pioneer settlers of that State, and opened up a 
farm in the wilderness. His wife, Hester, was born 
in January, 1799, and accompanied her husband to 
Indiana, cheerfully enduring with him the hard- 
ships and privations of pioneer life. They became 
the parents of ten children, all of whom lived to 
mature .years, and seven of whom still survive: 
David is in Salem, Ore.; Nancy became the wife 
of .Martin McIIenry, of Montgomery County, Ind.; 
John H. lives in tiiis county; Charles is in Polk 
County. Ore.; Jereiiiiah lives near St. .loseph. Mo.; 
Christiana is the wife of Thomas Hamilton, of Put- 
nam County, Ind.; Mary C. married Samuel Harsh- 
barger, .and they live (m the old homestead in 
Indiana. The father of our subject died in 1877, 
at the age of seventy-six years, and the mother 
about 1872. The latter was a member in good stand- 
ing of the Baptist Church. 

The great-great-grandfather of our subject came 
to America from France with (ien. La Fayette, and 




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Church of thc Visitation ofthe Blessed Virgin. Cor. CouRTaA^"STs.OTTUMWA.loWA. 

Rev. John Kreckel, Pastor. 



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WAPELLO COUNTr. 



403 



jlriciric! 



served with the latter in the Revohitionary War, 
where he was killed and left upon the field. His 
son, the great-grandfather of our subject, settled 
in New Jersey', whence lie subsequently moved to 
Kentucky, where, later, the father of our subject 
was born. From this branch of the family in 
France sprang the Lafollettes of America. . 

John H. Lafollette, of our sketch, received his 
early education in the log school-house of his na- 
tive county, which was built and furnished after 
the fashion of those times, and which has been de- 
scribed on various other pages of this work. To 
reach this temple of learning he was obliged to 
travel two miles in the severe winter weather, be- 
ing guided through the forest by "■ blazed " trees. 
In 18.50, after attaining his majority, he crossed 
the Mississippi and came into Wapello County, 
where he purchased land and opened up the farm 
which constitutes his present homestead, first build- 
ing a log house, 1(! x 1 8, which is yet on the place. 
The following year he was married in this count}', 
on the Hth of May, to Miss Angeline Easley, who 
was born in Montgomery County, lud., and was 
the daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Deatheridge) 
Easley, who were early pioneers of the Hoosier 
State, and in the spring of 18.50 came to Adams 
Township, this county. Of this marriage there 
were born eight children, viz. : Joseph, a natural 
mechanic and artist, of Ottumwa; Par}^ the wife 
of Henrj- Jones, of Union County, Iowa; Hester, 
who married J. T. Kent, of Oregon; Daniel, of 
Wapello County; Jeremiah, a merchant of Ot- 
tumwa; John and William Henry, at home. 

When our subject and his wife came to this 
county there were but few settlers, and very little 
of the land was improved, but they have witnessed 
with interest and satisfaction the remarkable changes 
which have taken place around them since that 
time. They have also contributed their share 
toward the progress and development of this vicin- 
ity. Our suliject came here poor in pocket, and 
his present possessions are the result of his own 
industry and enterprise, ably assisted b}- the good 
judgment, encouragement and industry of his good 
helpmeet and partner. Mr. Lafollette has been 
prominent in the affairs of his township, and held 
various local offlce.s. He has been the eucourager 



and supporter of everything calculated to advance 
its interests, and in all respects has fulfilled his 
obligations as a good citizen. 



:^ 



■"JIPM/®^^ 



|^4_,^2|^V^OT»v. 



EV. JOHN KRECKEL, a highly respected 
resident of Ottumwa, is a fine representa- 
tiiw^l tive of the reliable and substantial German 
^P) element which has done so much toward 
the development of the resources of the New World. 
Our German citizens have almost invariably been 
people of enterprise, industry and honesty, and 
have been identified with the better class of the 
community. They have opened the way for agri- 
culture and manufactures, and in all respects have 
fulfilled their duties as upright and conscientious 
citizens. 

The subject of our sketch was born in Nassau, 
Germany, June 5, 182G. He is the son of John 
and Margaret (Groth) Kreckel, natives of the same 
countr}'. His maternal grandfather was of Irish 
birth and parentage. Our subject emigrated to the 
United States in 1842, settling in Lancaster, Pa., 
whence, after a few months he went to Baltimore, 
and entered St. Mary's College, pursuing a course 
of study for eighteen months. From there he went 
to C^'incinnati, Ohio, where he entered the Jesuit 
College, pursuing his studies there until 1849, when 
he graduated. He was ordained for the Priest- 
hood Nov. 17, 18.53, and was appointed to a charge 
at Ottumwa. He proceeded by boat to Dubuque, 
and from there to Ottumwa by stage, arriving here 
Feb. 11, 1854. He has had charge of all the 
churches of Wapello, Polk, Marion, Warren, Ap- 
panoose, Jasper and Wayne Counties. When he 
first came to this section there were only eight 
families in Des Moines, and Maj. Cavanaugh, then 
a bachelor. He has aided in the organization of 
nearly all the church (Catholic) societies of this dis- 
trict and also in the erection of the church build- 
ings, superintending the erection of the first church 
building in the Irish settlement west of Des Moines. 

The parents of our subject emigrated to Lan- 
caster, Pa., with their son, where the}' died. His 
father was engaged jointly in mercantile pursuits 




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404 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 





and farming. During the wars of Napoleon he 
served as a soldier, licing at the l)attle of Waterloo 
where the Emperor was overthrown. Me died in 
Lancastei- at the age of sevent3--five years. His 
wife, the mother of onr subject, departed this life 
when the latter was a lad of ten j-ears old. 

The subject of tiiis historj- has experienced many 
changes during a long and useful life, and has 
greatly improved his opportunities for doing good. 
As a pioneer evangelist he had much to encounter, 
and he labored diligently to perform the task which 
was set before him. Jlnch was expected of him, 
and it is conceded by all that he performed his 
part well. We are pleased to present in connection 
with this brief outline of his life, the portrait of 
Rev. Kreckel, together with a view of his church 
building and surroundings. 

-»>> — •■o♦o.•^5^><v1@-o♦oi — *^-— 

nWIN A. JONES, of Ottunuva, an expert 
member of the printer's craft, is business 
manager of the office of the Ottumwa Press, 
with which he has been connected as part owner 
since a youtii of sixteen years old. He is a young 
man of great promise, possesses the pen of a ready 
writer, and is in every respect admirably fitted for 
the position which he holds with such al)ilitv and 
success. 

Mr. Jones is a native of Bradford County, Pa., 
and was born July a, 1 8().5. His parents were Ed- 
win A. and Jane (Jones) Jones, natives respect- 
ively of Pennsylvania and Wales. The father died 
in Bradford County, Pa., on the loth of October, 
ISiii), when our subject vvas an infant of 'a few- 
months old. The mother is still living in Ottumwa, 
of whicli she has l)een a resident since December. 
18«(). 

The subject of our sketch was educated in tiie 
ommon schools of Owego, N. Y., whither his 
iiother had removed when he was a lad of seven 
^^ears old, and after a residence in that place of 
seven years, they crossed the Mississippi, making 
iheir first location at Ottumwa, and Edwin A. en- 
aged in ])artnership with his brother-in-law, George 
ile3', Jr., to purchase the Press, wliich thej- have 
perated since that time. Mr. Jones learned the 



printer's trade since coming to Ottumwa, and after [f 
a very brief apprenticeshii), seems, apparently, 
naturally adapted to the art preservative. He 
commenced under the most favorable auspices, and 
has a host of friends who wish him all the success 
to which he is entitled l)y reason of iiis enterprise, 
industry and perseveram*. 



■-*^?^ 




|7 EWIS J. BAKER. M. D. Among the med- 
ll (@ '*-'■*' fiaternity of Ottumwa, who, through 
jlL-^v^^ years of study and practice, have become 
proficient in the profession, we take jileasure in 
mentioning the name of Dr. Baker, who located in 
this city in 18si, and has' since practiced here. 
Dr. Baker w.is Viorn near Waynesburg, (ireene Co., 
Pa., May 13, 18.50, and is the son of George Baker, 
also a native of that State. The father was owner 
and operator of a woolen-mill for a number of 
years, but during the latter part of liis life he fol- 
lowed the occupation of a farmer. The grand- 
father of our subject, J. ^\'. Baker, w;is born in 
1854, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, 
and his father, great-grandfather of onr subject, 
was born in England, and emigrated from that 
country to the United States and here died. 
George Baker departed this life in his native State 
April 24, 1881, aged seventy -six years. Charitj' 
(Sharpe) Baker, mother of our subject, was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1807, and is yet living there, hav- 
ing reached the venerable age of eighty years. Of 
her union with George Baker ten children were 
born, five of whom died in childhood, and the 
other five are living at this writing (18,s7), Lewis 
J. Baker being the youngest. 

Onr subject's early life was passed on the farm 
in his native county, receiving his education at the 
public schools, the Academy at Carmichael's, and 
select school in Beallsville, Pa., supplemented by 
teaching, being engaged in the latter vocation for 
thirteen months. In 1871 he began reading medi- 
cine, and in l.s7.i graduated from Jefferson Medi- 
cal College, Philadelphia, soon after which he lo- 
cated at Bellaire, Ohio. In 1878 he removed to 
Pittsburgh, Pa., where, in addition to his practice he 
was engaged in the manufacture of facings, and 






11 



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{dSMiss Emma D. Shuoert, who is 
or , "" 

,aSsjivani:i, being born near Pittsi 



J was thus occupied until 1882. During that year 
he came to Ottumwa, and since tlien has devoted 
l^his entire time to tlic practice of his profession. 
In 1876 Dr. Raker was united in marriage with 

a native of Penn- 
Pittsburgh. In politics 
our subject is Repuljlican. and sociall}' he is a 
ill member of the Knights Templars and Odd Fellows. 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 




#"# 




E. SHARP, a prosperous farmer and stock- 
raiser of Cass Township, owns and occupies 
a fine homestead on section 34, and in his 
business and farming transactions has been very 
successful. Our subject is a native of Chatham 
County, N. Y., and was born May 14, 1825. He 
is a son of Jacob and Nancy (Westfall) Sharp, 
both natives of the Empire State and of substantial 
German ancestry. Their household embraced five 
children, one sou and four daughters, as follows : 
Maria is the wife of Stephen Miller, a retired 
farmer of Sandwich, 111. ; Betsey is married to Scott 
Byers, and Caroline is the wife of Andrew Miller, 
both being residents of Sandwich; Christina became 
{^the wife- of Briggs Finch, and resides in Green 
Springs, Ohio; G. E., our subject, was the fourth in 
order of birth. 

When Mr. Sharp was about four years of age he 
lis went to live with his grandfather, where he made 
his home for the following twelve years. At the 
age of sixteen he started out for himself, working 
at whatever his hands could find to do. He was 
jfaithful and industrious, and wherever he staid 
jhe gained the good-will of his employer so that he 
could alwaj's go back to a place after leaving it. 
hie was prospered in his labors and preserved his 
r|health and strength, and after arriving at years of 
'gmanhood was married to Miss Phoebe Lewis, the 
I daughter of Samuel Lewis, a native of Vermont. 
I Of this union there were born three children: Ja- 
iScob, the eldest, hjcated in Colo, Storey Co., Iowa, 
'jand came to his death by being run over bj- a rail- 
If road train near the center of the State. Our sub- 
jSject, at that time, lived two miles west of C'hilli- 
=eothe, and it is said that young Sharp, after the 



■1- ^f "^ HtiTiTirrmjrcg rnjij mixui 




accident, crawled on his hands and Icnees for 
nearly half a mile to the nearest house, where one 
leg was amputated and it was decided that he 
would also have to lose the other. But he died 
while the second operation was being performed, 
on the 28th of January, 1878, leaving a wife who 
gave birth to a child about seven months after the 
accident. The feelings of the present wife of our 
subject on the loss of this young husband were ex- 
pressed in the following lines : 

"Unveil thy bosom, faithful tomb. 

Take this new treasure to thy trust. 
And give these sacred relics room 

To slumber on in silent dust. 
Xor pain, nor grief, nor anxious fear 
Invade thy bounds; no mortal woes 
Can reach the peaceful sleeper here, 
While augels watch the soft repose." 

Jane, the second child, and Lavina, the third and 
last, died in infancy. The mother of these children 
departed this life in 18.51, and was buried in Penn- 
sylvania. 

After the death of his first wife, our subject re- 
moved to De Kalb County, 111., and three years 
later was married to Miss Maria Finch, the daugh- 
ter of Samuel Finch, of De Kalb County. Mr. 
Sharp then engaged in farming pursuits, and two 
years later was again bereaved by the death of his 
second wife, who died in 1856, and was buried in 
De Kalb County, 111. For his third wife Mr. 
Sharp married Miss Abbie Eastman, on the 16th of 
October, 1859. This lady was born on the 10th of 
May, 1838, and is a daughter of Josiah and Ange- 
line (Bullock) Eastman, the father a native of New 
Hampshire, and the mother of New York. 

Mr. Sharp remained in De Kalb County until the 
spring of 1866, and then removed to Marshall 
County, Iowa, wiiere he was engaged in farming 
until 1875. He then purchased 1 10 acres of land 
in Cass Township, this county, located on section 
34, which he has since occupied. He has greatl}- 
improved the condition of this land since it came 
into his possession, and has a fine farm dwelling, 
good barns and outhouses, and all the appurten- 
ances of a flrst-class farm estate. Of his last mar- 
riage thei-e were born the following children : Jef- 
ferson J. was born on the 5th of February, 1861, 
in De Kalb County, III. ; G. Monroe, Nov. 24, 1865, 
in Kendall County, 111.; Edson G.. Oct. 2, 1870, in 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 




Marshall County, Towa; Minnie B., Sept. '21, 1872, 
in the same coiuity. They have also taken within 
their householrl circle n cliiM liy the name of Cora 
Hendricks, whom they purpuse re.-irinu' to woman- 
hood. The (late of iiei- liirth was Dec. 1.5, 18S;3. 
Mr. and Mrs. S. are menibers in aood standing of 
the Christian Clinrcli. 

The snbject <if this lust(H'y is essentially a self- 
made man, and his possessions are the result of his 
own industry and wise judgment. In his earlier 
years he labored inc^essantl.y with the hope of fu- 
ture results to strengthen him on his way. He is 
now enjoying the reward of his earlier toils and 
sacrifices, during which he l)uilt up for himself an 
honest name and an enviable reputation. He is 
thoroughly esteemed by tlie citizens of Cass Town- 
ship, and has held nearly all the ottices within their 
gift. He has ever been the ready friend and sup- 
porter of every measure calculated for the welfare 
of his community, and in all respects lias fulfilled 
the oliligations of a good citizen. 



I'NDRKW .SEH^^EKT, deceased, a former 
Ol highly respected citizen of Eddyville, was 
a native of (Jerman^', born in ^\■eda Uruns- 
wick, in lH:i2, and departed this life on the 
2(lth of November, 1.S80, at the age of forty -eight 
years. He was the son of Andrew and Mary 
(lioatteher) Scifert, also natives of German}', and 
when a youth of sixteen years emigrated to the 
l'nite<l States with his father. After reaching the 
shores of the New World they proceeded directly 
westward, crossed the Father of Waters, and lo- 
cated in Ft. ;\Iadison, tliis State, where our subject 
lived until l.s.'j.s. Li the meantime he learned the 
trade of a harness-maker, and in the year last men- 
tioned removed to Keokuk and worked at his trade 
in the (iate City for two years. In October, 1860, 
he came to Eddyville, and established the first 
harness-store in tlie place, making this his liome 
until his earthly labors were ended. 

Mr. Soifert was married, Oct. 1(1, 18(i(), to ^Hss 
.1. W. (irucer, a lady of German birth and parentage, 
and the daughter of (iotlob and Caroline (Kinzel- 
man) Grucer. also natives of (iermany. Of this 




union there were born four children: Arthur Al-I 
liert, who is now carrying on the harness-store for 
his mother; Eda, a teacher in the Adams school att 
Ottuinwa; Oscar Hugo, who lives w'ith his mother 
and attends the harness-shop, and Alma, at home. 
Mr. Seifert was an enterprising business man, a| 
valued citizen, and prominently connected withE 
the Protestant Church. He also belonged to the! 
I. (). O. F. and the A. F. S; A. M. Mrs. S. is con- 
nected with the Presbyterian Church. The resi- 
dence of Mrs. Seifert and her family is a tasteful | 
structure, pleasantly' located, and that in connec- 
tion with the harness business constitutes a valuable j 
property. The family are well known and highly 
respected, and number among their associates and | 
friends the best people of the community. 

yy S. M( LAIN, who is engaged in the livery 
business at Kirkville, was born in Musk- 
W^ iugum County. Oiiio, Oct. .-5. 1842, and is 
the son of .Jacob and Harriet (Davis) McLain. 
The family moved from Ohio to Farmington, Iowa, 
in 1849, and there remained two years, coming 
from thence to Wapello County in 18r)L The 
father died in Kirkville, Dec. 1, 1.S71; the mother 
is still living and resides in Richland Township. 

The subject of this sketch was reared upon a 
fai'm and educated in the common schools of his 
adopted Stated When the war for the Lnion com- 
menced, he offered his services to his countr}', and 
on the 22d day of September, 18(;i, enlisted as a 
l)riv.ate in Co. D, ITith Iowa \dl. Inf., and served 
as a private and non-commissioned otticei' during S' 
the war. With his regiment he participated in the 
battles of Corinth, luka, siege of Vicksburg, and 
Atlanta, Ga. In this last battle, on the 20th of tt 
.Inly. 1804, he received a gunshot wound just be- 3 
low the right elbow. The liall passed through the" 
arm and came out just above the joint. After be- 
ing wounded he was taken priscmer, sent to Ander- 
souville, and for eight months and a half endured 
all the horrors of that loathsome prison. He was 
then sent to N'icksburg, Miss., for a change. In 
June, 18(15. he was mustered out, and discharged 
at DaveniJort, Iowa. The wound received in his 
arm rendered it almost useless for heavy labor. gt 

2i^ 



Sr-'^r-,^ .-,^!^ 




Mira^ 



^Vc'f-'Hr'Hr'rlPT'aH 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



In l<S()(j Mr. JMcLain was maiiied to Kinma J. 

Fentoii, a native of Wapello Comity, born Nov. G, 

[;)3 l>^4<i, anil the danghter of .John and Lucinda (Kirk- 

[:jl patriek) Fenton. Her father <lied in tiiis eonnty, 

;lB and her mother is now living in Bates County, Mo. 

But one child was liorn to Mr. and [Sirs. McLain. 

Fannie B., .Tuly iS, I«(i7; she died March 30, 1870. 

Mr. McLain is the owner of two lots and a good, 

I conifortalile house in Kirkville. His wife is a mem- 

l)er of tiie Methodist Episcopal Church. IViliti- 

cally he afflliates with the (ireenback part^-. 



H. ENNIS, a highly respected resident of Ot- 
tumwa, was one of the pioneers of \Vapello 
Count}', and has been a resident of this city 
ince 1869. After the varied scenes nf a long and 
■ liusy life he is now living retired from active labor, 
while in memory he often reviews the scenes of his 
early manhood and can tell many an interesting 
ta,le of by-gone years to those of the present gen- 
eration who have the haijpiness of listening to him. 
The subject of this history' is a native of ^Vor- 
cester County, Md., and first opene<l his eyes to the 
lijS light at the beginning of this century, in Iso;). His 
parents were Boaz and .Mary (Marshall) Ennis, na- 
tives of the same county as their son, and descended 
from stanch old English ancestry. Boaz Fjunis was 
a man of fine education, a teacher by occupation, 
many of the prominent men of the State having 
ijl been pupils under him. He was tlie master of sev- 
eral languages, and possessed a remarkable mem- 
ory. Politically he was a .leffersonian Democrat, 
and although never an aspirant for any otlice, con- 
tributed of his time and means liberally to establish 
and maintain the principles of the party of his 
; choice. 

5 The parental household of mir subject included 
p five children, of whom Mr. Ennis of our sketch is 
jg the only surviving niendjer. The mother is con- 
I nected with the Episcopal Church, and their son 
:b quaintly observes that, although his father was not 
S identified with any religious denomi nation, he 
g prayed more than most of the members of churches. 
I After ,au honest and goodly life, Boaz Ennis rested 
E from his earthly labors in 1 8;i4, at the age of seven- 




ty-four years. His wife survived him for a period of 
twenty-four years, and folded her hands for her 
final rest in JS.^.S, having arrived at the advanced 
age of nearly ninety-four years. 

I. IL Emus was reared to manhood under the 
parental I'oof, and received a careful education, 
principally under the instruction of his father, hi 
early manhood he was united in marriage, Nov. .">, 
18;U. with Miss Filizabeth Williams. She was a na- 
tive of Worcester, Md., and born in 180(!. After 
their marriage Mr. ]<]nnis engaged in farming. In 
18.50 he went to Kock Island, 111., remaining a short 
time only, however, at that point, and then going 
to Davenport purchase<l a stock of boots and shoes, 
opened a. store, and was there engaged in trade for 
several years. He then decided to come into Wap- 
ello County, and July 28, 1809, first visited Ot- 
tumwa, and decided to estalilish a permanent Innue 
in this city. He had heretofore been very success- 
ful in his business transactions, and since becoming 
a resident of Ottuniwa has been living a retired 
life. 

Mr. Ennis is a gentleman of mcjrc than ordinary 
intelligence, and has kei>t himself well posted in re- 
gard to i)olitical and general matters connected 
with this county and State. Before the abandon- 
ment of the old Whig party he was one of its 
stanchest supporters, but upon the organization of 
the Republican party he cordially indorsed its 
principles, and has uniformly voted with it since 
that time. During his business career he w\as strictlj- 
uiiright and honoralile in his dealings with his fel- 
low-men. prompt in meeting his obligations, and 
courteous in his demeanor to those with whom he 
was associated, and thus acquired the esteem and 
respect of his community. He has generously 
identified himself with the business and industrial 
interests of this section, and has been a pleased and 
interested witness of the chtuiges for the better 
which are constantly taking place in his adopted 
State and county. Before coming to this section he 
was a witness of the first railroad train in the Ihiited 
States which ran from Baltimore to Ellicott .Mili~. 
Md., and crossed the .Mississippi years befuie tiu- 
question of a railroad in this .section had ever Iteen 
ag'itated. 

Mr. Enni.-. and his faithful and affectionate wife 




1^ 

1:31 



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408 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



tULixixinixijiii-i-ntinrnirij- fejujij . j;ii 

■Jill TTl in 

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have lived together in peace and harmony for a 
period of fifty-two years. Their union has been 
blest b}' the birth of five children, of whom one is 
deceased. The record is as follows: Dr. Edgar H. 
is a graduate of Griswold Medical College, at Dav- 
enport, Iowa, and is now a practicing physician 
of Deep River, Poweshcik County ; Sidney M. died 
at the age of thirteen years; William W. is a drug- 
gist of Ottumwa; John B., attorney at law, is a 
resident of St. John County, Kan., and engaged as 
a speculator in real estate ; Mary E. is the wife of 
W. W. Cory, attorney at law of Ottumwa. The 
children of Mr. and Mrs. Ennis have been fiuelj' 
educated, receiving all the advantages which the 
cultivated tastes and ample means of their parents 
could afford. 



..~5><^ 



itf5«^— 




1837. 




AMUEL B. EVANS, Postmaster at Ottum- 
wa, and editor and i)roprietor of the Ot- 
tumwa Democrat, is a native of Jefferson 
County, Tenn., his birth occurring July 31, 
Ilis ancestors are numbered among the 
earliest settlers of Eastern Tennessee. His father, 
Samuel Anderson Evans, was a soldier in the 
Seminole Indian war, and a lawyer by profession. 
His death took place in Keokuk County, Iowa, in 
1881, he having attained nearly thi-eescore years 
and ten. The grandfather of our subject, Samuel 
Evans, served in the War of 1^1 2, and his great- 
grandfather, Andrew Evans, was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War, and i)articipated in the battle 
of King's Mountain. The mother of our subject, 
Sarah (Mitchell) Evans, was a daughter of Berry 
Mitchell, a soldier of the War of 1812. She also 
died in Keokuk County, Iowa, in 18(Jo. Samuel A. 
and Sarah (Mitchell) Evans were the parents of 
four children, of whom Samuel B., our subject, is 
il the eldest; (iideon is a printer, and resides at Ot- 




SH^r^ia tumwa; Margaret lives at Richland, Keokuk County, 
where Nanc}', now the wife of J. D. Hayworth, 
also resides. 



1 The subject of tliis notice came with his parents 
to Iowa when but live years old, and ri'sided with 
them in Davis County until It^-l'J, wlien the family 



moved to Keokuk Countj-. At the age of sixteen 
j'ears he entered a printing-office and served an aji- 
prenticeship to the printer's trade, and afterward 
worked as a " jour," accumulating a small sum of 
money. He no.w found himself, at the age of man- 
hood, with a good trade, a small amount of capital, 
and but an intermediate education, and, Vealizing 
that an education was more desirable than capital, 
he entered n branch of the Iowa State I'niversity, 
located at Eairfleld. This was in ISTio. Three 
years later, in 1858, in company with John U. 
Farra as partner, he founded the Democrat at 
Sigourney. Mr. Farra soon sold his interest to Mr. 
J. B. ShoUenbarger. The paper was edited l)y Mr. 
Evans, assisted b}' Judge J. M. Casey, and in 1860 
it supported Stephen A. Douglas for the presi- 
dency. When the Civil War broke out Mr. Shol- 
lenbarger enlisted in the cause of the Union. 

In the fall of 1861 Mr. Evans suspended ])ubli- 
cation of the Democrat, moved to Ottumwa and, 
with Judge E. L. Burton as partner, established 
the Mercury. But Mr. Evans, like his forefathers, 
could not be content at home when the country 
needed his service in the field. So, leaving his 
paper in charge of Judge Burton and Judge H. B. 
liendershott, he enlisted, in August, 1862, and was 
mustered into service with Co. B, 33d Iowa Vol. 
Inf. He was appointed Commissary Sergeant of 
the regiment, and held that rank until 1.S64, when 
he assisted in organizing the 4th Arkansas Cavalry, 
a regiment of loyal whites, and was promoted First 
Lieutenant, with which rank he was mustered out 
in June, 1865. He participated in the Yazoo Pass 
expedition, the battle of Helena, the Little Rock 
and Camden expeditions, including the battle of 
Jenkin's Ferry, besides numerous skirmishes, and 
was never wounded or taken prisoner. 

On returning from the Held of bloody conflict 
our subject resumed the editorial chair of the Mer- 
cury. ».nt\ attended to its duties until 1868, when 
he sold it to Samuel Burton. He next, in connection 
with others, foun<led the Ottumwa Democrat, which 
he conducted until IS.si.wiieu he sold it. Soon 
after disjHisiug of the Democrat he took charge of 
the arciia'ological expedition into Mexico in the 
interest of the Chicago Times. His researches 
took him into several of the States of Mexico, and 







:as:HJ 








uxmirmnij-ur 






r^rlfC 




WAPELLO COUNTY. 



409 



he succeeded in making some discoveries acknowl- 
edged b}- the Mexican Government to be of great 
importance. One of these was the Tezcnco calen- 
dar stone, found in the pyramid at the ancient citj* 
(if Tezcuco. The original stone is now in the 
Government Museum nf Mexico, and fac-similies 
are in the .Smithsonian Institute at AVashington 
and also at Ottumwa. Me was three months in 
Old Mexico, and during his staj^ there, through the 
influence of Gen. U. S. Grant and the American 
Minister, .Tudge Morgan, the Mexican Government 
permitted him to excavate at anj- place, and gave 
him a guard of troops whenever he desired. His 
guides were Indians, and he lived with them dur- 
ing his sojourn. After leaving Old Mexico our 
subject continued his researches in New Mexico for 
a like period of time, and there became interested 
in some mines, which interest he still owns, and to 
which he gave his personal attention until 1884. 
Returning to Ottumwa in August, 1884, he again 
liecame editor of the Democrat, and in February, 
1886, once more became its proprietor. 

Politically Mr. Evans has at all times adhered to 
the Democratic party. In 1872 he was a delegate 
to the National Convention, held at Baltimore, and 
voted for Horace Greeley. In 1876 he was an 
alternate delegate at large ti.) the National Conven- 
tion held at St. Louis, and supported Samuel J. 
Tildcu. In 1880 he was delegate to the National 
Convention at Cincinnati, and was also one of the 
Vice Presidents of the crmventii.in.and .after the de- 
clination of Samuel ,). Tilden our subject supported 
Thomas F. Bayard for the presidenc3^ Mr. Evans 
was appointed and commissioned Postmaster at 
Ottumwa by President Johnson in 1866, but dur- 
ing the fight between the President and the Senate 
his nomination, with many others, was withdrawn. 
During the year 1866 he also served several months 
as Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue. 

Mr. Evans was appointed Postmaster at Ot- 
tumwa by President Cleveland July 14, 1 885, and 
confirmed li_y the Senate without opposition in 
March, 1886. In l.s74, when tlie Iowa Legislature 
established the Fish Commission, Mr. Evans was 
chosen President of the same, and it was largely 
through his iuttiii-uce that the cummissiou was 
•reated, thereby largely benefiting the people. He 



may well be proud of his labors while acting in that 
capacity, and also of the results achieved. 

The most important event of our subject's life 
took place Dec, 19, 1866, on which date Sarah E. 
Potter became his wife. She is the daughter of 
John and Nancy Potter, and was born in Carroll 
County, Ohio, in November, 1845. Five children 
were given to this marriage — Margaret, Sarah 
Edith, Luc3', Samuel McDonald and Bertha, all of 
whom are living with the exception of Samuel Mc- 
Donald. 

Socially Mr. Evans is a member of the I. O. O. F. 
and G. A. R. As a citizen he has always been 
ready to assist in any enterprise wherebj' the pub- 
lic could be benefited, especially if the enterprise 
in an}' way tended to benefit the wide-awake city 
of Ottumwa, of which our subject is one of the most 
prominent citizens. 

s^, OMINICK SCHLAGETER, a prominent 
and well-to-do farmer and stock-raiser, re- 
siding on section 12, of Polk Township, is 
a German by birth, having been born in 
Baden, March 19, 1821. His parents, Jacob and 
Anna (Wasmer) Schlageter, were farmers in thcii 
native country, where the}- lived lives of useful- 
ness, and died there, their remains being buried in 
their native soil. Our subject at the age of thirty, 
determined to seek his fortune in the New AVorld, 
and accordingly boarded a vessel for New York, 
where he landed Aug. 4, 1851. He made the jcjur- 
ney in a sailing-vessel, and experienced a stormy 
voyage, being forty-four days in making the trip. 
Our subject remained in New York for a year, and 
in 1853 came to Ottumwa, where he made his home 
until the lOth of May, 1854, when he moved to 
the farm he now occupies, and where he owns 200 
acres of well-improved land, witii good residence 
and excellent farm l)uildings. He has become 
prominently identified with the communit}' of 
which he has been so long a member, and is re- 
garded as one of the solid men of the county. 

Mr. Schlageter was united in marriage with L ar- 
oline Matt, in Batien, (iermany. This lady was 
born Jan. 1, ll^2!l, and is tlie daughter of Jacob 




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410 



jxzuuinixrxiMJ 

WAPELLO COUNTY. 







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and Mary (Gersback) Matt, both of whom died in 
derman}'. Mrs. Schlaji'eter has borne her husband 
tlie following children: Mary 1\. is the wife of 
Benliart Hoffman, of (Jttumwa: .lohn A. died in 
Leadville, Col., where Jose])h M. is now living; 
Carrie D. is at home; Seth L. died in Denver, Col.; 
Fred E. is living at Leadville. that State; Lue3^ L. 
is the wife of L. O. Johnson; ^Minnie C. is deceased, 
and Andrew D. lives with his parents. 

Our subject is, as he always has been, active in 
k)cal affairs, taking an interest in the jjrogress and 
welfare of the coinmunity. Me is at present serv- 
ing his fifth term as Justice of the Peace, and has 
held the office of Assessor and various others of 
his township. Politically he is a Democrat, and 
both himself and wife are members of the Catholic 
Church. 

■ s i#<>%i ; ■ 

\Y MENDENllALL, a successful farmer and 
stock-grower of Green Townshi]), is comfort- 

W alily located on section 16, and is pursuing the 
(leaceful vocation of a farmer with satisfactory re- 
sults. Mr. Mendenhall is a native of the Buckeye 
State, and was born in Greene County, on the 9th 
of November, 1823. His parents were Malachi 
and Elizabetii (Starr) Mendenhall, natives respect- 
ivel3' of Ohio and \'irginia. After their marriage, 
they located in the former State, and in 1 835 re- 
moved from there to A'crmilion Count}', 111., where 
the}' entered a tract of Innd, being among the earlj' 
settlers of that part of the State. Here the father 
remained until his death, which occurred Feb. 12, 
1879, after he had attained the ripe age of seventj'- 
seven years. He was an earnest Christian gentle- 
man, generous in his impulses, charitable and be- 
nevolent in disposition, and left a good record of 
an honorable and upright life. The mother is yet 
SBiving, and makes her home on the old homestead 

n Vermilion County, III., aged eighty-five years. 
The subject of this history was reared upon his 
father's farm and obtained his early education in 
the subscription schools. He I'emained with his 

jarents until he was about twenty-nine years old, 

nd then, in 1852. left the old homestead, crossed 
the Mississippi, and came into I'olk County, Iowa. 
He was a resident there for eiahteen months, and 



tir 







( ACOB p. REES, a skillful mechanic of Ot- 
tnmwa, is a carpenter and joiner by trade, 
and has been a resident of this State and city 
since 1S71. He is an adept at his profession, 
and has superintended the erection of some of the 
finest buildings in this city. He is a thorough-go- 
ing business man of excellent abilities, and has ac- 
cumulated a liandsomc [jroperty b}' the exercise of 



in the spring of 1853 came to this count}-, where 3|^ 
he was variously employed for the following three 
years. In 185(; he purchased a small farm of sixty 
acres, fifteen of which was tinil)er land, and en- 
gaged in its imi)rovenient and cultivation. He 
was fairly i)rospered, and as time passed on was 
enabled to add to his first jjurchase until he is now 
the owner of 145 acres. 

The marriage of Ivy Mendenhall and Miss Susan 
Baum took pl.ace Aug. 30, 1855. Mrs. Mendenhall 
is the daughter of Benjamin and Mary (AVeaver) 
Baum, and was Ijoin April 27, 1833. By her mar- 
riage with our subject she became the mother of 
three children, only one of whom is now living, 
Lewis C, l)orn July 27, 1859. Wesley and William 
are the names of those deceased. The father of 
Mrs. Mendenhall died in WapeUo County at the 
age of fifty-five years. Her mother is still living 
and has arrived at the age of seventy-six years; she 
is a bright and intelligent old lady, and retains her 
mental faculties in a marked degree. Both parents 
are ivrominently connected with the Methodist 
Episcopal C'hnrcli. 

Since coming to this township, Mr. Mendenhall 
has taken an active part in politics, and at everj' 
opi)ortunit3- has d<,ine all within his j)ower to sup- 
port the principles of the Democratic party, of 
which he is a stanch adherent. He has been an in- 
cumbent of the various township offices, and has 
fulfilled the ini|)ortant duties intrusted to him with 
credit to himself and satisfaction to his fellow- 
townsmen. He started in life at the foot of the 
ladder, possessing nothing but willing hands and 
a clear head, and has climbed up to his present 
position solely by the exercise of his own native 
qualities of resolution and perseverance. 

--^ • ^ " '^ * "-^ 



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RESrOENCE OF HENRV DORNSIFE , SEC. 26 , WA5HIN GTON TP. 







RESIDENCE OF HENRY REINHARD 5EC.30 GREENE TP. 






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RESIDENCE OF L . A . MYERS , 5 EC . 15 , WASH IN GTON T P. 



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WAPELLO COUKTY. 



413 l^ 



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5 his natural industry and mechanical genius. Mr. 
a Rees was born in Butler County. Ohio, on the -iid 



of October. 1S22, and is the son of William and 
Naomi (Finlev) Rees, the former a native of Nurtli 
Wales and the latter of Pennsylvania. 

William Rees. father of our subject, emigrated 
a from his native countrj- to America when a youtli 
5 of fifteen years, locating in Pennsylvania, and was 
afterward married in Indiana County, that State, 
two children, John and Thomas, l^eing born there. 
Mr. Rees,- at an early day and before the War of 
1H12, took a flatboat and with his family proceeded 
to Ohio, and at the breaking- out of tiie war men- 
tioned, he enlisted in the ranks, but onl}^ served a 
short time. After his return from the army he 
located in Butler County, Ohio, where four mure 
children were born : William, who enlisted in the 
10th Indiana ^'olunteer Battery, and was killed in 
Texas at the last battle; George, now in California; 
J. P., our subject, and one who died in infancy. In 
the fall of 1831 William Rees removed with his 
family to Montgomery County, Ind., and engaged 
in farming for the following twenty-one years. 
Then, in 18.52, he again set his face westward, and 
crossing the Mississippi, came into Des Moines 
County, Iowa, where he located and remained the 
balance of his daj's, closing his e3'es on the scenes 
of his earthly labors in 1862. His first wife, the 
mother of our subject, had died in Butler County, 
Ohio, and he was the second time man'ied, Miss 
Sarah Pritz becoming his wife.by whom he became 
the father of one daughter, Elizabeth, now a resi- 
dent of Missouri. 

Jacob P. Rees was reared in Indiana aud received 
his education in the common schools of the Hoosier 
II State. He was there married, in 184.5, to Miss Eliza 
Price, having alreadj* served a thorough apprentice- 
ship at the carpenter's trade, and when not en- 
gaged at his trade, occupied himself in farming- 
pursuits. After his marriage he was employed as 
a contractor and a builder, and took an honest 
pride in the excellence of his work. He remained 
with his family' in Indiana until 1871. when became 
to Ottumwa, as before stated. 

The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Rees was com- 
iS plcted by the birth of five children: Henry C., 
5 during the progress of the late war, served as a sol- 




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dier of the Union in the 5th Indiana Cavalry ; he 
remained in service until the close of the war, re- i 
turned home unharmed, and is now living in Ot- 
tumwa, engaged as a carpenter: James P. and Ed- 
ward B. are also in Ottumwa; Anna became the 
wife of Frank Akens of this city, .ind R<jscoe is en- 
gaged as a railro.ader at Omaha. The boys, like 
their father, are all natural mechanics, having in- 
herited his talents and genius in a marked degree. 
Mr. :uid Mrs. R. are highly* respected in their com- 
munity and worthy members of the First Method- 
ist Episcopal Church of Ottumwa. Politically Mr. 
Rees is an uncompromising Republican, and cast his 
first vote for (ien. Harrison for President. 

L. KIRK, of Ottumwa, senior partner of 
the firm of Kirk dr Walker, successfullj- en- 
gaged as lumber dealers, is a native of 
Trumbull County, Ohio. He ivas boru on 
the 22d day of April, 1838, aud is the son of Will- 
iam aud Elizabeth (Eose) Kirk, natives respect- 
ively of Pennsylvania aud Ohio. They were mar- 
ried in the latter State, and after the birth of our 
subject, removed from Trnml)ull to Morrow 
Countj', where the father departed this life in 18j4. 
Two years later Mrs. Kirk came with her children 
to Iowa, and settled at Ft. Madison, where she 
reared her fannly together and provided them with 
a liberal education. She is a lady of great energy' 
of character, a devoted member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and for her efforts in keeping 
her little family together deserves the highest 
praise. She now resides at Ft. Madisou, and enjoj'S 
the esteem of a large circle of friends and ac- 
quaintances. 

The parental household im-luded eight children, 
four of whom are living: .lohu S.. during the 
late war, enlisted in Co. D, Ttli Iowa \ol. Inf., par- 
ticipated in the various engagements of his regi- 
ment during the eontlicl, and at the close returned 
home with a Captain's commission, and is now a 
resident of Havana, III.; the next was our subject, 
M. L. ; Harriet became the wife of Frank Sherwood, 
of Ft. Madison, who served as a soldier of the I n- 
ion in the 7th Iowa Regiment, and returned liomi- 




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414 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 






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unharinecl at the close of the war; l>(iviiia iiiairied 
.lafoh ^'ota^v. of Hamilton County, Tex. 

The subject of this sketcli was a youth of sixteen 
years old when lie crossed the Father of Waters and 
came into the Hawke\'e State. He remained at 
home until 1H6.'). and then enlisted in the United 
States Navy, under Admiral Porter, on the Missis- 
sippi. He was on detail service, and participated 
in the battle of Ft. Pillow, and was in the engage- 
ment at I'aducah, Kj-.. remaining in the service 
until the close of the war. He then returned home, 
and afterward went to Pe'la, where he engaged in 
the lumber trade for five 3'ears, thence going to 
Mt. Sterling, 111., pursuing the same occupation 
with a partner, the name of the Ihm being Kirk & 
Co. He came to Ottumwa in I.s74, and formed a 
partnership with Mr. W.alker, that same year. The 
lirni is a ])opular and reliable one, and their opera- 
tions extend throughout Iowa and into the States 
adjoining. 

Mr. Kirk wa,> united in marriage, in IHGd, at Ft. 
.Madison, with Miss Amanda Sherwood. Mrs. K. 
is the daughter of Ira and Hannah Sherwood, and 
was born in Pennsylvania in 184o. By her union 
with our subject she has become the mother of two 
children — Clarence and Katie. They are pk'asantl\' 
located in this city, enjoying all the comforts of 
life and many of its luxuries. ^Ir. K. in politics 
is Republican: socially he is a .M.aster JIason, and 
also a member of Pella Lodge No. .5.3, (t. A. It., 
Carit. Cloutman Post. 



■€-i-^- 



y'TLLIAM S. LYMAN is a farmer and stock- 
grower on section 18, Center Towushij). 
^ ^ He was born in Randolph County. III., 
.March 0. LS;"),"). and is a son of \V. W. .-ind Ada 
(Shattock) Lyman. His father was engaged in the 
mercantile trade in C<jnnecticut for many years, 
and moved from that State to Illinois in 1,S44. and 
is still living, being now :\ resident of Ashle^', 
Washington Co.. 111. 

When twentv-one years of age tiie subject of our 
sketch moved from Illinois to Monroe County. 
Iowa, where he remained seven years, and in l«a;J 
came to Wapello County, and socm after took 






charge of the stock farm of Charles F. Blake, of 
Ottumwa. where he is now living. This laud is sit- 
uated on section 18 of Center Township, and is 
one of the best stock farms in the country. Among 
the tine stock are two fine imported thoroughbred 
Norman stallions, "Captain" and "Desire," and two 
imported brood mares, together with a large lot of 
fine grade Short-horn and grade Holstein cattle. 
The farm consists of 800 acres of fine land, and has 
a large, comfortable dwelling-house, and all mod- 
ern improvements of a well-regulated stock farm. 
Mr. Lyman owns a one-half interest in all the stock 
upon the farm. He is a thorough stock farmei- and 
understands well the care of all kinds of stock. 

In 1SH2 "Slv. Lyman was united in marriage with 
Aliss Sadie Carroll, a daughter of Noble and Sarah 
(Chandler) Carroll, who are now living in Ottumwa. 
They have one child, Edna, born on the "iOth of 
June 14, 1884. Politlcallj' 'Slv. Ljman is a Repub- 
lican. 

vr^EOROE Z. COWAN has been a highly es- 
if (==j teemed resident of Wapello County' since 
^^^^ilj 18(Jl.and a resident of Center Township 
since 1869. He owns and occupies a fine farm es- 
tate on section 1. and in his pursuits of agriculture 
and stock-raising is meeting with success. He is a 
native of the proud ami wealthy Buckeye State, 
having been born in Holmes County, Oct. 1;>, 1850, 
and was the son of William P. and Rachel (Com- 
mer) Cowan, natives respectively of A'irginia and 
Ohio. At the age of five years he crossed the Mis- 
sissippi with his father and mother, and with them 
located first in Tipton, Cedar County. This was 
their home for the following eight years, his father 
being engaged in the drug business until 1865. 
They removed from there to locate upon a tract of 
land in Center Township, which they had purchased 
and which was situated on section 1 4. The first 
consisted of seventy-eight and one-half acres, and 
by subsenuent i)urchase w:u-i increased to 2'M acres. 
I'pon this Mr. Cowan has erected a handsome farm 
residence, with a good barn, and all conveniences 
for the storage of grain ami the shelter of stock. 

George Z. Cowan and Miss Martha Alice Crips 
were uniteil in marriage Xov. U, 1K74. .Mr> 



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12 ^;^l-fe2H2H2iffiHSHHaE 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 




Cowan is a native of Wapello Count3% and by her 
mari-iage with our subject became the mother of 
five children, as follows: Julian Lee, George AVill- 
iani, Fannie Lorelle, Jennie Lena and \Yinnifred P. 

Upon leaving his native State, the parents of Mr. 
Cowan first came into Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa, in 
1855, and there our subject was reared and edu- 
cated during his earlier j-ears. After completing 
his primarj' studies he attended the Notre Dame 
Academy at South Bend, Ind., where he remained, 
pursuing his studies for three months, and at the 
age of fourteen years engaged in clerking in his fa- 
ther's drug-store, being tiuis occupied for five 
years following. Since engaging in agricultural 
pursuits in Center Township he has also given 
much attention to the breeding of fine stock, es- 
pecially horses. He established his breeding stables 
in 18(5iS, and has made extensive preparations to 
continue this business. His herd of cattle consists 
of high-grade Short-horns, and his sales of these 
have amounted to |l,;iOO per year. He is also 
raising Poland-China hogs, his first purchase of 
these being procured from Dr. Magie, of Oxford, 
Ohio. Of these he sells $1,000 worth per j'ear. He 
has exhibited some of the finest animals in the 
county at the fairs of this locality and taken manj' 
premiums. 

Mr. Cowan has been prominent in the affairs of 
his tc>wnship and county, and as a level-headed 
man his advice has been consulted upon matters of 
general importance as being a wise and safe coun- 
selor. He has been Supervisor and School Di- 
rector, and politically is an uncompromising Dem- 
ocrat. He is liberal in his religious views. 



•€-f-^ 



^OHN G. HOWARD. Ju.. a highly esteemed 
resident of Ottumwa, is a native of the Hawk- 
eye State, and was born in Keokuk, Oct. IG, 
^, . 1854. He is the son of John G. and Eliza- 
beth A. ((iudfrey) Howard, natives respectively of 
Kentucky and Massachusetts. The_v were married in 
the former State, and in 181!) emigrated to Iowa, 
being among the early settlers of Lee County. The3- 
became the parents of twelve children, three of whum 



are living: George AV., of Denver, Col. ; Debbie, the 
•wife of James T. Lee, of Council Bluffs, and en- 
gaged in the tea business, and our subject, John G. 
John G. Howard, Sr., was a stanch Republican in 
politics, and a man of good abilities, who kept liim-l 
self well posted in affairs of general interest. Hisi 
wife, the mother of our subject, departed this lifel 
Julj' 4, 1 870. She was a most estimalile Christian 
ladj% and a member of the Unitarian Church. 

John (j. Howard, Jr., was educated in the com- 
mon schools of his native county, and reared to 
habits of industry and honesty, and after leaving 
the parental roof was engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness. In 1882 he was appointed to his present po- 
sition as Agent with the Consolidated Tank Line 
Companj-, which was established in August of the 
year mentioned, and was first known as the Keokuk 
Oil Tank Line, under which it was operated eight 
months, and then changed to the Iowa Tank Line 
Compan3% L. J. Drake being then the general man- ij 
ager at Keokuk, Iowa, his headquarters first be- I 
ing at Des Moines, and he was then appointed gen- 
eral manager of Iowa, Nebraska and Dakota, with 
headquarters at Omaha. When the name was 
changed, Nebraska and Dakota were taken in. The 
factory is 60x100 feet in dimensions, with a front 
of 250 feet, and has a storage capacity of 2,500 
barrels. Their sales extend throughout the States 
mentioned. The tanks were constructed with gi-eat 
care, and are considered perfectly safe ; they are hj- 
cated on Samantha street, between McLain and 
Hope streets, in the west part of the city. 



lii 




EV. BEN. E. S. ELY, a prominent citizen of 
Ottumwa, is a native of Philadelphia, Pa., 
and the sou of Rev. E. L. Ely, D. D., and 
^; Mar}- A. (Carswell) Ely, natives respect- 
ively of Connecti<'ut and Pennsylvania. The father 
was a minister of tlie Presbyterian Church, and 
presided over one c-ongregation in Philadelphia fur 
a period of twenty-seven 3-ears. He was made 
Moderator of the (Jeneral Assembly of the Presbj'- 
teriau Church of America, ami was its stated clerk 
for a space of twelve years. He was reared in the 
town of Lebanon, Conn., :ind w:is a eniduate of 



1 




B^ 



416 



Yale College. His grandfather, Zebuloii Elj', was 
also a Presbyterian minister, and was Pastor at 
i,eliauon for fortj'-one years. He was l)oni Fel). 
r.. 1 T.jl), in Lyme, Conn., and died in 1S24. His 
sun, the father of onr subject, was horn .lune 13, 
17HC>, and died in l.SGl, in the (^uakei- City. 

Rev, lien. VAy w.as a student of Delaware College, 
Mud at the earl^- age of twenty years was admitted 
t,o the practice of law. He had been a close student 
under tlie instruction of Hon. .lames Tndd, of 
l'hiladeli)hia, and was finely' qualified as an attorney 
Mud counselor. Soon afterward he went to Cali- 
fiirnia, and followed his |)rofe.ssiun in tlie Golden 
state for a period of ten yeai'S. He was elected 
to the California Legislature in 18;38. Not long- 
after this, however, he abandoned the profession 
of the law to take up that of the ministry, 
.nid in 1 <S(i2 was ordained and became Pastor 
' >{ tlie church at Healdsburg, Sonoma County, 
lie was afterward located at Stockton, and from 
liiere moved east to Chicago, and took charge of 
• Ir.ace J^resbyterian Ciuucii, now the -Sixth Chuicb. 
After severing his connection with this charge he 
became connected with the ^Villow Creek Scotch 
Presbyterian Church, with which he remained un- 
til June, 1881, when he was called to the charge of 
the First Presb}'terian Church of Ottumwa. where 
he has remained until the present time. 

While in California Mr. Ely wa.s City Attorney 
of .Sacramento, and introduced the first i>rohil)itorv 
liquor law, which passed the Assembly but failed 
ni the Senate. He was greatly interested in the 
i('nii)erance movement, anil did everything in his 
power to promote sobriety, being a leader of the 
movement in that section. He has been a member 
of five General Assemblies of the Presbyterian 
Church in the United Slates, and in the winter of 
1,S8.)_8(; was elected Modeiator of tiic Synod of 
Iowa. 

Our subject wa> first married, Sept. i'J, l.s^'J. to 
Miss Elizabeth McElroy, a native of Christian 
County. Ky., and they became the parents of seven 
children, three of whom arc deceased: Elizabeth 
ilied in infancy in I84i»; Ik-n. E. S., .Ir., is I'astor 
of the Presl)yterian Church of Washington, Iowa; 
(ieoige Montgomery died at the age of nineteen 
\tars; Laura Elizabeth is the wife of Prof. E. L. 



Ed ------ =3 





Curtis, of the Theological Seminary of the North- 
west, of Chicago, HI.: Rose is a te.acher at Sioux 
Falls, Dak,; Charles Wads worth is decea,sed: .Mary 
Anita is at home. Mrs. Elizabeth Ely. flic mother 
of these children, died Aug, ItJ, LsTl, at the age 
of thirty -eight years, Mr. Ely was a second time 
married, JIarch 2.5, 1873, to Miss Abbie Anrelia, 
daughter of Portius Moore, of JIassachu setts. Mrs. 
E, was born in Chicago, HI., and by her marriage 
with onr subject is the mother of one child, Francis 
Argyle. 



ENMAMIN KEED, a highly respected citi- 
zen of Green Township, is a native of 
., Pickawaj" County, Ohio, born .May 2. 18()(). 
'^^^^■' His p.arents were Dorman and Nancy (Pen- 
niwell) Reed, both natives of Delaware, who went 
to Ohio after their marriage and were among the 
early settlers of Pickaway County. His father 
served forty-five days in the War of 1812, under 
( ieu. Harrison. 15oth parents were of .Scotch and 
Welsh descent, and inherited from a worthy ances- 
try the excellent qualities peculiar to both nations. 
The parental family consisted of ten children, of 
whom the subject of our sketch was the eldest 
born. . He was reared to farming pursuits and was 
trained to habits of industry and economy, and into 
his youthful mind were instilled those high moral 
principles which were characteristic of his parents 
and ancestors. 

At the age of twenty-one years Benjamin Reed 
commenced farming upon his own account in Vigo 
County, Ind., being located near Terre Haute, 
where he remained seven years, cultivating rented 
land. Previous to this, however, when a boy of 
fliirteen years old, his parents had removed to 
Darke County, Ohio, and were living there while 
their son was farming in Indiana. .Vt the exjiira- 
tion of the time mentioned he rctuiiicd to Darke 
County, and locating u|)on a tract of rented land, 
operated it for five years, and from there, in 1840, 
went t,o St. (lair County. l\Io.. near Monagan 
Springs, and entered forty acres of land, most of 
which was imjjroved and under a good state of cul- 
tivation. He occupied this for five years, and 
then, recrossiiig the Father of Waters, again went 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



into Indiana, locating in ftibson County, where 
he remained until the fnll of lS4/i. He then 
retraced his step,-* westward and came into Iowa 
to Wapellti County, settling in (xreen Town- 
j ship, where he has since resided. At the time of 
coming here he entered torty acres of land, upon 
which he erected a log cabin. He was prospered 
in his agi'icultural pursuits, and added to his pos- 
sessions as time passed on and his means accumula- 
ted, being now the owner of 85!) acres, mostly 
improved and fenced.. 

In early manhood Mr. Ueed w;is married, in 
1829, to Miss Margaret Reed, of Ohio, and of their 
union there were burn five children, as follows: 
Silas died in childhood; Sarah, born Dec. o, 1832, 
is the wife of Andicw Murlver, of Lucas County, 
this State ; Nancy married Joshua Cloyd, and is 
living in Adams Township; Anthony died at the 
age of twenty years. ]\Irs. Margaret Reed departed 
this life in October, 1843. Mr. Reed was the sec- 
ond time married, in 1844, to Miss Delilah Latliom, 
a native of (iibson County, Ind., and a daughter 
of Jonathan L. and Delilah (Potter) Lathom. Of 
this marriage there were born ten children : Ma- 
rita died in infanc3' ; Marj' Ann became the wife 
}| of Is.aac Read, a merchant tailor of Nebraska; 
Amanda married Willoughby Orn)an, and died 
Oct. 4, 18G9; Elizabeth became the wife of Merritt 
Nicols, of Green Township; ^L L.. born Oct. 13, 
1853, married Sarah Loper. and is engaged in farm- 
ing in Oreen Township; Alice Jane, born Feb. G, 
1846, is the wife of William Kent, of Adams Town- 
ship; Delilah, born Sept. i), 1858, is the wife of 
Lawrence Kent, of Monroe County, Iowa; Benja- 
min F. was born Feb. 9, 1861, and lives at home; 
Thomas J., born jNIarch 14, 1862, is also at home; 
Maria iMay, born Jan. 28, 1856, is the wife of A. J. 
Hicks, of Green Township. They have also raised 
two orphan grandchildren: William Orman, born 
June 8, 1867. and Amanda Jane, Sept. 24, 1869. 

Mrs. Reed is a member in good standing of the 
Christian Church. Mr. Reed has been Supervisor, 
Tovvnship Trustee and School Director. He is 
Democratic in politics, and takes an intelligent in- 
terest in the welfare of the community, contribu- 
ting of his time and means in support and encour- 
agement of every worthy enterprise. At the 



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organization of the county, Mr. Reed and Jami> 
Hollingsworth were the only men in Green Town- 
ship. Mr. Hollings worth was made the first Clei-k 
and Mr. Reed the fiist Trustee. There were then 






no roads to Ottnmwa. and he had to pick his way jp^^SHl 



through the timber. He traveled over a great deal 
of the Western countrj^ and from the outlook at Iti 
that time he did not think it pcjssible it would ever 
be settled up to any great extent for purposes of 
farming, and as he wanted to go into the stock 
business, he thought this section would make a 
good range for his cattle. But he was mistaken in 
his calculations, as the appearance of this section at 
the present day indicates. The pioneers began to 
come in one after another, and in due time the land 
around him was taken up by the enterprising pio- 
neers, until the choicest portion of it had been en- 
tered and settled upon. It was not many 3'ears 
before the humble cabins began to give way to 
more pretentious dwellings, and comparing the 
present with the past, the changes which have oc- 
curred in a comparatively brief time seem more 
like a dream than a reality. 



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D. WOLF, a prosperous member of the 
agricultural community of Columbia Town- 
ship, owns and occupies a comfortable home- 
stead on section 32. and beside his ordinary 
farm wtirk, has attained quite a reputation as a 
breeder of fine stock. Our subject w-as born in -^ 
Athens County. Ohio, on the 19th of March, 1815, 
and is the son of Christopher and Rboda (Dorr) 
Wolf, natives respectively of Westmoreland County, 
Pa., and New York. 

Christopher Wolf removed from his native State 
to Ohio, where he formed the acquaintance of the 
Lady whom he afterward married, their wedding 
taking place about the year 1804. They settled in 
Athens County, and the father of our subject be- 
came one of the most extensive farmers of that 
region. He also engaged in milling, and shipped 
the first boat-load of produce that was sent down 
the Hocking River from Athens to Louisville, Kj'., 
about 1^<24. He was one of the early pioneers of 






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^- 418 




WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Atlipiis County, anrl became a useful and hioflily re- 
spccteil I'itizon. He lived tluTO until l.s4li, and 
then sold (lilt liis farm and milling interest and re- 
moved to llnekinii Cniinty. where he purchased 
another tract of land, wliich he occupied until the 
time of his de.'itii. He possessed a large estate 
there, aggregating aliout '■<()() acres of land. The 
affectionate wife and mother departed this life on 
the Dtli of May. 1 .si;!, the father surviving her only 
until the following .Scpteinher. ^Irs. Wolf "as a 
consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
yl! Church, a lady highly esteemed for her excellent 
traits of character, and at her death was greatly 
mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaint- 
ances. 

The parental family included ten children, of 
whom the record is as follows: William and Lida 
are deceased ; Andrew has been a practicing phj-^si- 
cian of Vinton County, Ohio, for forty years; 
Mathew is a farmer of Hocking County, Ohio; 
our subject was next in order of birth; Rhoda died 
in infancy; Edmund is engaged in farming and 
sheep-raising in Vinton Count}', Ohio: Joseph is 
_^ deceased ; Eli/.abeth became the wife of Wilford 

jjj HI .Stires, a farmer and stock-dealer of Hocking County, 
Ohio; Jonathan is deceased. 

K. I). Wolf, of our sketch, on the IDth of Novem- 
ber. 1S;36, married Miss Eliza Johnson, who was 
born in Hocking Couutj', Ohio, March .'!, 1813. 

fe^ ^ They remained in the Buckeye State until 1856, 

a"' and then removed to Iowa. The early years of our 
, subject had been spent on his father's farm and he 
also assisted about the mill. After coming West 
he located in Wapello County, purchasing about 
L ijlffl Sis7 acres of land, and was engaged in its improve- 
|lh 381 ment and cultivation, until he now has one of the 
finest farms in Columbia Townshi)). Our subject 
and wife became the parents of seven children, as 
oUows: .losiah, a farmer of Monroe County, 
Iowa, was born Nov. 19, 1838; Hiram, born April 
29, 1840, enlisted as a soldier during the late war 
, in the Union army, and in 18G3, with a number of 
! his comrades, was captured by the enemy and taken 
,o Andersonvilie Prison where, after great suffering 
nd privation he died, and was buried in one of 
the trenches, the bereaved and afUieted parents 
j never having been able to recover his bod}'; Eliz- 

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abeth was born Aug. 14. I><42, and became the wife 
of Benjamin Chisman, a farmer of Columbia 
Towiishii); Henry, another son who had enlisted in 
the army, died in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn. ; 
he was born on the 7th of October. 1S44, and, witii 
his brother Eliram, was a memlier of the 8th Iowa 
Cavalry; Eliza, born Dec. 18, 184t;, is the wife of 
J. 'SV. Nye. a farmer of Monroe Count}',' Iowa; 
Mary L. was born Jan. 28, 18.Tl,and married Sam- 
uel Nye. a farmer of Columbia Township; S, P. 
was born April ('),l,s47, and is farming in Columbia 
Township. 

Mrs. Eliza Wolf died Oct. 3, 1873, and was 
buried in the cemetery of Columbia Township. 
She was a faithful and affectionate wife, a loving 
mother, and highly esteemed by her neighbors and 
acquaintances. The second wife of our subject 
was Mrs. Elizabeth Eyre, to whom he was mai-ried 
April 30, 1874. This lady was born in Brown 
I County, Ohio, .Sept. 22, 1818, and is the daughter 
of William and Sarah (Wilson) Maholam, natives 
of Ireland and \'irginia respectively. The father 
is deceased, but the mother yet survives, and is liv- 
ing in Green Township, at the ripe old age of 
ninety years. Mrs. Wolf is a member in good 
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Mr. Wolf gave his children the advantages of a 
good education and divided up a portion of his 
large landed estate among them, giving to each a 
good farm, and has yet 230 acres left for his own 
use. The family residence is one of the finest farm 
dwellings in Columbia Township, and the barns and 
outhouses are of the best description, conveniently 
arranged for the shelter of stock and the storing 
of grain. Everything in and about the premises 
betokens a cultivated taste and ample means. Mr. 
Wolf takes great pride in his stock, which con- 
sists of high-grade Short-horn cattle, which he is 
crossing with Herefords, and exhibits some of the 
finest animals in the Mississippi Valley. His horses 
are principally Normans, and models of symmetry 
and strength. 

Politically our subject is a stanch Republican :iiid 
a great admirer of the lamented Lincoln. In his 
social life he has hosts of friends who respect him 
alike for his rare business qualities and straight- 
forward dealings, and his kindness and hospitality 








as a friend and neighbor. Mr. Wolf, however, 
amid all his prosperity and the comfort and society 
of friends will never cease to mourn for his two 
sons who fell in the Rebellion. They were unus- 
ually bright and promising young men, admired 
and beloved by all who knew them, and of whom 
lis great things were expected in the future. The 
manner of their taking-off is a peipet\ial sorrow to 
the hearts who loved them. 

l^t>iEUBEN MYERS is a farmer and stock- 

Mf grower on section 8, Washington Town- 

S \\\ ship. He was born in York County, Pa., 

March 29, 1815, and is a son of Abraham 

and Catherine (Conn) Myers, both natives of Penn- 

Lta sylvania, and of Holland-Dutch descent. When 

1^ Reuben was but two and a half j'ears of age, his 

parents moved from Pennsylvania to Preble County, 

^ Ohio, where they lived until 1830, when they 

moved to Fountain County, Ind., where the father 

died .^la}' 23, 184;i. The mother then moved to 

.bisper County. Ind., and there died Oct. 28, 1854. 

l^euben Myers and Sallie Moore were married in 

Imliana Sept. 15, 1836, by ex-Bishop William 

111 own. She was born in Ross County, Ohio, May 

7, 1.S19, and is a daughter of Kdward and Kitty 

(Foster) Moore, who were also natives of Ross 

Count}', but who moved to Warren County, Ind., 

IS iu 182C. Her mother died in 1849, and her father 

in 1869. In 1843, with his wife and two children, 

Mr. Myers came to Wapello County, Iowa, and 

settled on the farm he now occujjies, jjurchasing 

the claim of a squatter, and afterward purchasing 

from the Government. He was one of the first 

judges of election in Wapello County, and served 

with James Acton and Roliert Wright. In the 

early days he was appointed and served as Road 

Commissioner, and has since held the ottice of 

Township Trustee. Mr. Myers is the owner of 104 

acres of good land, nearly all of whieli is under 

cultivation. 

Mr. and Mrs. Myers have become the parents of 
five children: .John F., deceased; T. J.: Mary C 
deceased; M. J., now the wife of G. W. Creath, 
and James E., deceased. In politics Mr. il3-ers is 



a Republican, and he and his wife are raeml)ers of 
the Methodist Kpiscopal Church. They are of that 
number of pioneers who ;ue fast passing aw.ay, and 
to whom credit is due for all that we now enjoy in 
tliis beautiful laiid. They have experienced trials 
and privations, but now, in their old age, are blest 
with plenty, and are surrounded Tiy many friends 
who love and respect them. 

On the loth d.iy of .September, 1886, our subject 
and wife celebrated their golden wedding, on which 
occasion there was a large numbei' of friends pres- 
ent and many valuable presents given. Of the 
guests, John F. Moore, of Mahaska County, Iowa; 
Elizabeth Moore, of Warren County, Ind., and 
Jacob Myers, of Wapello County, were present at 
their wedding, wliich took place in Indiana fift\' 
years ago. Among others present were Rev. R. B. 
Allender, of Bloomfield, Iowa; Rev. J. B. Hill and 
wife, of Agency; Rev. S. S. Martin and wife, of 
Agency; Rev. J. C. Kendrick and wife, of Eldon; 
Rev. T. J. Myers, the son of our subject, and wife, 
who now reside in Burlington, and Dr. B. W. Searle 
and wife, of Ottumwa. While the gifts were val- 
uable the kind expressions of love and esteem were 
valued more by tliis worthj' couple than all else 
beside. 



J. BASTIAN, A' ice President of the Ot- 
tumwa Cutlery Company, and a resident 
of that cit}', is a native of Greenfield, 
Mass., where he first saw light Dec. 13, 1851. His 
parents, John and Kate (Class) Bastian, were na- 
tives of (iermau}, and came to this country while 
quite young. They were married at North Hamp- 
ton, Mass., in 1848, and became the parents of four 
children, our subject being the eldest. The re- 
maining children are Frank ; Carrie, wife of John 
Andrews,- of Ottumwa, and Henry. The father 
learned his trade, that of a cutler, in his native 
country, and after coming to the United States, en- 
gaged .as an employe of John Russell, of Greenfield, 
Mass., with whom he continued to work until his 
demise in 1861. Mrs. Bastian still survives her hus- 
band, and is residing in Ottumwa with her son, 
W. J. 

The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood 





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wap?:llo county. 



in the county of his nativity, juul received his edu- 
cition in tlie .-ichiinls of (ireenllcld. It wns in th;it 
city tiiiit lie tirst engaged to leaiii the cutlery linsi- 
ness, wiiich he followed until .l:iiiunr\% 1 S70, when 
he came to thi^ State. Arriving here he located at 
Ottnniwa and cstalilished his i)resent .successful 
linsiuess. He is a young man of more than ordi- 
nary business abilit}-, and is meeting with success 
in conducting the enterprise in which he is engaged. 
He- was married. Oct. 12, ISSO, to Miss Ina Antro- 
bus. She was born in \Va|)ello County in lS(;i. 

The Ottumwa Cutlery Company', of which Mr. 
Bastian is Mce President, is the product of a busi- 
ness established in .lanuary, 1879, by Rose & Bas- 
tian. The business, under the firm name of Rose 
& Bastian, continued until 1.S82, when it was 
merged into the Ottumwa Cutlery Company, with 
the following Directors: .1. T. Hackworth, C. F. 
Blake, AV. F. Rose, S. H. Harper and W. J. Bastian. 
The following are the officers: W. T. Harper, 
President; \X. .1. Bastian, A'iee I'resident; C. F. 
Blake, Treasurer, an<l \V. K. Chambers, Secretary. 
They manufacture table and butchers' cutlery, and 
their office is located at Nos. 214. 210 and 218 
South Tisdale street. Thej' employ a cor))s of 
ninety men. and the size of their building, which 
comprises two stories, is loflx.38 feet. They have a 
salesman constantly on the road, and do an annual 
business of *1 00,000. 




IIMOTIIY TFRREL, a farmer and stock- 
grower on section 21), Richland Tow'uship, 
was born in Harrison County. \'a.. Jan. 3, 
1814, and is a son of Timothy and Elizabeth 
(Nixon) Terrel. His parents moved from A'ir- 
ginia to Ohio in 1819, where the mother died in 
1830; the father survived her ten j'ears, passing 
from the scenes «)f his earthlj- labors in 1840. 

The subject of this sketch was I'eared upon a 
farm and received his education in the pioneer log 
school-houses of Ohio. In 1 s."!8 he was united in 
marriage with Amy Arnold, who was born in 
HlKjde Island. June 3, 1819. Her parents moved 
from that State to Ohio about 1822, where both of 



them subsequently died. Mr. and Mrs. Terrel are 
the parents of three children : Hiram married De- 
lila Honhani. and is now living in Colorado; Sol- 
omon married Rena Berry, and now lives in Potta- 
wattamie County, Iowa; Huldah lives with her par- 
ents. 

In 1848 Mr. Terrel moved from Ohio to Wapello 
Count}', Iowa, and for thirt3'-eight years has been 
a resident of this count}'. He is the owner of 
fortv acres of good farm land, with a house and 
barn and :dl necessary out-buildings, a view of 
which is presented (jn another page of this work. 
Mr. Terrel and wife are consistent members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically he is 
a Republican. 




I, 



'il/ AMES HAWLEY, deceased, formerly a resi- 
dent of Ottumwa, and respected for his ster- 
ling traits of character, was born on the 4th 
of June, 1803, at Alban}% N. Y., where he 
spent his early years and received a good common- 
school education. AVhen thirty years old he en- 
gaged in the merchantile business at Red Creek, 
Wayne Co., N. Y'., where he continued for five 
years, meeting with success in his enterprise, after 
which he removed to Lyons in the same county. 

In 1839 our subject was elected on the V/hig 
ticket to the office of Count}' Clerk, which position 
he held for thi'ee years, when failing health de- 
manded a change of climate, and he removed to.| 
Chillicothe, Ohio. There he embarked in the dry- 
goods trade, and after a highly successful business 
career, was induced by some of his friends to move 
to Washington County, Ky. There he also engaged 
in business, but not meeting with the success antici- 
pated, he, in 1848, started West on an exploring 
tour, having in his mind's eye a desirable locality for 
engaging in business. Coming to this State and 
happening to be in the city of Ottumwa, and view- 
ing all the advantages afforded by that city, he con- 
cluded it was the most favorable he had .seen, gij 
and thither he removed and commenced business Bi' 
in a small frame building. His success was such | 
that the second year of his stay there he erected 

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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



4-23 



Sthe fii'st two-story brick building in the Des Moines 
jA'^alley. On the arrival of his family at Ottumwa 
:Mr. Hawlej-, not having a home for them, moved 
:into and took charge of the first hotel in Ottumwa. 
iLi the latter enterprise, as well as in his mercantile 
^jEliursuits, he was, during several years of active 
}j|§business life, successful. 

On the 20th of September, 1831, Mr. Hawley was 
[united in marriage with Miss Juliette Jones, of New 
JSYork, 1)3' whom he had three children, two sons and 
a daughter, both sons having passed to the home 
of the hereafter. Upon the death of our subject, 
[Oct. 21, 1882, resolutions were passed bj- the City 
Council, and many citizens and friends lamented 
the death of one who, while living, was kind and 
courteous to all, and never known to turn a deaf ear 
to true charit3'. Through life Mr. Hawley was a Re- 
1 ; publican in politics, and twice was honored with the 
1 ' ofHce (if ]\Lajor of Ottumwa. He was also Presi- 
lijdent of the First National Bank of Ottumwa for 
eighteen months. INIr. Hawley was not a man of 
ponderous intellect, but he possessed that energy 
which, when he made up his mind to accomplish a 
•given object, generally carried him through, and 
;;jthis was one of the princiiial causes of his success in 
i|iSlife. His home was a liappy one, and affection was 
lygcrowned everywhere within its walls. He left a 
widow, two sons and a daughter, but, as stated, the 
sons have gone to meet him on the other shore, and 
there now remain onh' wife and daughter, who will 
meet him bj* and bj' on the other side of the river. 



HOMAS HARDESTEY, who is residing at 
Ottumwa, is a n.ative of North Carolina and 
was born in 1811. His parents were Samuel 
and Hannah (Hoover) Hardestey, natives- of the 
above-named State. Thomas was reared in his na- 
tive State, and in 1834, after a sojourn in Indiana, 
removed westward, crossed the Mississippi, and 
coming to Iowa purchased a quarter-section of land 
near Fairfield, Jefferson County. This he improved, 
selling it at a profit, and moved to Kirkville, in 
1 844, and occupied the farm, which he there opened 
up, until 1886. He then came to Ottumwa, and 
purchased six .and one-half acres in the suburbs of 



!^i 



this city, where he has erected a comfortable resi- 
dence, located his familj', and is spending his de- 
clining years. 

The career of Mr. Hardestey as a pioneer has 
been one eminently worth}^ to the communit3' in 
which he resided so long, as well as successful from 
a financial point of view. He became one of the 
largest land-owners in this section of the State, 
having divided among his children 900 acres of 
land, retaining eight}' for himself. After coming 
to this new country, as he did at an earlj- daj-, he 
steadily advanced, meeting formidable obstacles 
and discouragements with great fortitude, and 
not only acquired great possessions, but gained for 
himself the respect and confidence of those who 
knew him. 

The subject of our sketch was married, in 1841, 
to ]VIiss Maria Stevenson. She was the daughter of 
John and Elizaljeth (Cole) Stevenson, was born in 
Indiana, and l)y her union with our subject became 
the mother of seven children, whom we record as 
follows: William, a broom-maker. b}' trade, is car- 
rj'ing on business at Ottumwa ; Elizabeth is the 
wife of AYilliain Wilson, a farmer of Center Town- 
ship; Mary married Daniel Dana, who is farming 
in Richland Township ; Samuel is also an agricultur- 
ist of Richland Township, and Hannah, a resident 
of the same, is the wife of Heber Parker, also en- 
gaged in farming pursuits ; Louisa married Albert 
Fairchild, of Richland Township, and Lincoln is at 
home. 

Mr. Hardestey removed to Indiana from his na- 
tive State in 1832, and was among the early settlers 
of that region. He there engaged as a farm laborer, 
and his first trip across the Father of Waters landed 
him at Flint Hills, now the city of Burlington, 
which was included in the Black Hawk purchase. 
Thence he went to Ft. Jladison, where he engaged 
at carpenter work, and where he lived for the fol- 
lowing nine years. 

The wife of our subject departed this life in Jan- 
uarj', 1868, at the age of forty-six yeai-s. She was 
a ladj' highl}' esteemed for her many excellent 
qualities of character, and was the true helpmeet of 
her husband's amid his early toils and struggles to 
maintain his family as became a w.orthj' and hon- 
orable citizen. Since coming to this locality Mr. 





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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



Hardestey has beon prominently connected with its 
business and industrial affairs and lias held the 
various township offices. Aside from his business of 
general farming, he has given considerable attention 
to stock-raising, and in all his undertakings has met 
with that success which is the just reward of enter- 
prise iind perseverance. His entire career presents 
a f()rcible illustration of what courage and resolu- 
tion may accomplish under difficulties. In politics 
our subject is a true Democrat. A lithographic 
portrait of JNIr. Hardestey ajjpears on another page 
of this work. 



p^AMUEL CLINTON McCULLOUGH, M. 

^^ 1)., a prominent and successful physician 
and surgeon of Ottumwa, and whose por- 
trait is given in connection with this sketch, 
is a native of Morgan Station, Montgomer3' Co., 
Ky., and was born on the 9th of June, 1816. He 
is the son of John and Sarah (Morgan) McCul- 
l<jugh. His father was a native of Bourlion County, 
Kj-., and his mother was a daughter of Ralph Mor- 
gan, of Shepherdstowu, Xa.., who built Morgan's 
.Station, in Montgomery County, K3'., being the 
fifth station which was built in the State. It was 
first ca])tured by Simon Girty, with a force of 
whites and Indians, and was subsequentl^y captured 
twice by the Indians, most of the men being killed; 
the women and children were killed while en route 
to Miauiitiiwn, in Ohio. Mr. Morgan died at the 
old fort. He was a Colonel in the Revolutionary 
War, and a son of Sii- William Moi'gan, of Siiep- 
lierdstown, Xn. 

The jjaternal grandfather of our subject was born 
in Washington Count}', Pa., and while an infant 
his parents removed to North Carolina, where they 
both died while he was a small bo}'. He was then 
[J apprenticed to learn the tanner's trade. When 
about sixteen years old he enlisted in tiic Regular 
Army, and served under (ien. Washington for five 
jcars and six niontiis, and participated in the bat- 
tle of River Reason, wiiere he was pierced through 
the body witli a liavonet. He recovered sufficiently, 
however, to be present at the storming of Stony 
Point, where lie received a similar wound througii 



the hip, but also recovered from this, and lived to 
receive his lionorable discharge with his comrades. 
After the war he went to the city of Charleston, 
S. C. The charms of the soldier's life, however, 
still had their influence over him, and after arriv- 
ing at the latter city he once more enlisted to en- 
gage in the last siege of the city of Charlestcm. 
where he met with an accident which caused the 
loss of one of his thumbs, and he then accepted his 
final discharge and went to Kentucky. In the 
meantime he had been married, and after rearing a 
large family, living a part of the time in Bourbon 
and latterly in Montgomery County, he removed 
with a portion of his family to Indiana, locating in 
Ripley County, where he spent the remainder of 
his life. 

John and Sarah McCullough, the parents of our 
subject, reared a family of fourteen children, eight 
of whom are still living as follows: Van R. is a 
resident of Walla Walla ^'alle3^ Ore. ; James A. 
and Hugh B. are in Lyon County, Kan.; John M. 
lives in Coffee County, the same State ; Ralph M. 
resides in Decatur County, lud., and the sixth is 
Samuel Clinton, our subject. Four of these sons 
served as Union soldiers in the late war, and es- 
caped unharmed, serving the full time from the 
commencement to the end. Rawley, now deceased, 
enlisted during the first year of the war, and 
through exjiosure and privation cinitracted a dis- 
ease of which he subsequently died: Keziah is liv- 
ing at iVIcCoy Station, near Greensbnrg, Decatur 
Co., Ind. ; Drusilla lives in Coffee County, Kan. 
The parents of Mr. JMcCullough, after a long resi- 
dence in Indiana, removed to Coffee County, Kan., 
where the}- both died. John JlcCulIough, the 
father, was a soldier in the \\ ar of 1.S12, being one 
of the first to enlist, and was under the command 
of Gen. Harrison, serving until the close. 

The subject of our sketch removed from his 
birthplace with his parents to Jefferson County, 
lud., when he was ji child of six years old. He was 
early trained to habits of industry, and began to 
assist in the labors around the homestead as soon 
as he could be of any use. The tract of laud upon 
which his parents had settled consisted of 200 acres 
of heavy timber, mostly black walnut, and the la- 
bor of clearing this land and bringing it to a cou- 



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ditiou for successful agriculture can more easily be 
imagined than described. In this labor Samuel C. 
assisted in the summer seasons, and during' the 
winter walked two and one-half miles through the 
timber to pursue his studies in the log cabin which 
was dignified bj' the name of a school-house. The 
term of his educational advantages was limited to 
three months in the year, but, notwithstanding the 
difficulties under which he labored, he succeeded 
in acquiring a fund of useful knowledge, being 
fond ,of study and ambitious to excel. When only 
ten years of age he had already selected his calling 
in life, and began the study of medicine. Four 
years later he went to Cross Plains, Ind., and en- 
tered the office of Dr. James McCullough, his 
uncle, under whose instruction he remained for the 
following three years. Then, although only seven- 
teen years old, he began the practice of his profes- 
sion, and was remarkably successful. Plight years 
later he went to .St. Louis, Mo., and became the 
pupil of Prof. Joseph N. McDowell, with whom he 
remained for five years, and became proficient in 
medicine and surgery, receiving his certificate from 
the Medical Department of the State University of 
Missouri, the document being signed by Dr. Mc- 
Dowell, Drs. Charles W. Stevens, Robert LefHng- 
well, J. B. Johnson. John S. Moore, Thomas Bar- 
bour and Richard Barrett, who composed the faculty 
of that institution. 

Dr. McCullough now returned to Madison, Ind., 
and by special invitation went to Delaware, Ripley 
Co., lud., where he engaged in practice for the fol- 
lowing thirteen 3-ears. During this time this lo- 
cality was visited by the cholera scourge of 1849, 
lasting five years, and our subject passed through 
the midst of it unharmed, and was remarkably suc- 
cessful in his treatment of those who suffered from 
the awful epidemic. Dr. McC. continued there 
until 1856, and then, crossing the Mississippi, came 
into Iowa, locating in Fayette County, in the town 
of West Union, where he spent the winter and 
spring of 1856-57, and then came into Wapello 
Count}', locating in Kirkville. He here followed 
the practice of his profession up to 1864, when he 
came to Ottumwa, and has since that time been 
successfully engaged in practice in this locality. 

Dr. McCullough has made two fortunes since the 



commencement of his practice. Several years ago 
he had a large amount of property destroyed by 
fire, and after he had recovered from this disaster 
and was on his feet again on the high road to pros- 
perity, he again suffered great loss by other means. 
He has occupied a prominent position among his 
professional brethren since coming here, and was 
one of the organizers of the Wapello County Med- 
ical Society, at Ottumwa, and also the Des Moines 
Valley Medical Association. He is a close student, 
and keeps himself well posted upon the new dis- 
coveries of the day, reducing them to practice as 
his judgment directs. 

In early manhood Samuel Clinton McCullough 
was united in marriage in Delaware, Riplej' Co., 
Ind., to Miss Harriet L. Huggins, a native of Ripley 
County, Ind. Of this union there were born six 
children, two of whom are still living: Sarah S., 
the wife of Greene A. Denham, of Williamsburg, 
Ky., and Mary A., who is unmarried. Mrs. Har- 
riet L. McCullough departed this life at Kirkville, 
Iowa, in 1858. The Doctor was married the sec- 
ond time on the 1st of January, 1860, to Miss 
Annie W. Wilson, of Callensburg, Clarion Co., Pa., 
who became the mother of seven children, as fol- 
lows: Theodore W. is local editor of the Rapid 
City Journal, in Dakota; John M. is a wood- worker 
by trade, and a resident of Ottumwa; Frederick 
A. is connected with the car- works of the Ft. Scott 
& Gulf Railroad at Kansas City, Mo.; Allen is a 
printer b}' trade; Emma K., a graduate of the 
High School of Ottumwa, is engaged in teaching; 
Herman A., also of this city, is a clerk in the 
grocery of Henry Throne ; the }'(ningest is Ralph 
M., at home. 

In politics Dr. McCullough is exceedingly liberal 
in his views and largely independent, aiming to 
vote for the best men irrespective of party. He 
affiliated with the Whigs until the abandonment of 
the old party. 



^^^1 A. W. CARVER, of the prominent law 
^^^^ firm of Chambers, McElroy & Carver, with 
|l\/_^) headquarters at Ottumwa, Iowa, is fully 
worthy of his association with his eminent 
partners, who form one of the strongest eombina- 



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tiuiis for the Iransaction of legal Imsiness in this 
county. ;\Ir. Carver ir^ a native of Wapello County, 
and was born on tiic fltli of ^Larch, ISnO. He i.s 
the son of .lohn II. and Margaret .1. (Bartow) Car- 
ver, the former liorn in Ohio and reared in Penn- 
sylvania, and of whom, in connection with his ex- 
cellent ladj', a sivctch npiwars in anotiiei' jiart of 
this volume. 

The parents of our sul)ject came to tliis country 
in liS49, three years after Iowa was admitted into 
the Union as a State. Here our subject )eceived 
his early education in the district schools and as- 
sisted in the lighter duties al)out liis father's farm. 
Later, he entered tiie High School .at Kirkville, and 
;ilterwMrd attended Iowa Wesle3'an University at 
Mt. Pleasant, T(jwa, where he graduated in the class 
I if >i,i. Thence he came immediatel3' to (Jttumwa 
and entered the oflice of Chambers & McElroj' as a 
-indent of law. In due time he was admitted to 
the bar and, according to previous arrangement, 
" .1- taken as a partner into the firm, since which 
lime he has been successfully engaged in the prac- 
tice of his profession. He is a gentleman of fine 
abilities, a close student, and ambitious to excel in 
his profession. 

The marriage of Mv. Carver with Miss .Stella F. 
AVinans took place in June, 1884. Mrs. C. was 
born in Bentousport, Iowa, in 18151, and is the 
daughter of E. H. Winans, a minister of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Of this union there 
has been Ijorn one child, a son, Chesnej- W. Mrs. 
C. was a student at Iowa Wesleyau University, Mt. 
Pleasant, at the same time as her husband, and 
there the acquaintance was made which resulted in 
their marriage. Mrs. C. graduated in the class of 
'82, having received a musical education, and is at 
present teaching this .art. She also occupied the 

sition of a teacher in Iledding College at Ahing- 
on. 111., for two years. 



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APT. W. II. C. .TAQUES, of the firm of 
..William? A- .laques, of Ottumwa, is, with 
his partner, successfully engaged in the 
ractice of law. The firm is a strong one, each 
lember being well read in his |)rofession, and they 



occupy a prominent position in the legal fraternity 
of Wajjello County. Tlie subject of thisbiogra])hy 
is a native of Abingdon. Va., and was born on the 
•2Uth day of October, 1841. When a child of eight 
years old he came to Iowa with his parents, 
William and Mary .Taqiies. They located in Jeffer- 
son County upon a farm, and engaged in agricult- 
ural pursuits. William Jaqiies was also a l)rick- 
layer by trade, and alternated iiis duties of the 
farm with working at his trade as oijportunity per- 
mitted. 

Oursul)ject, in the meantime, became a farmer and 
learned the trade of liis father. He attended the 
district school three months out of the yeai' vip tt) 
1862, initil the outbreak of the Rebellion neces- 
sitated a call for troops for the i)reservation of the 
Union. Our subject, then a young man of twenty 
3'ears, determined to j)roffer his services to his 
country, and accordingl}- enlisted as a private in 
Co. U, l!)th Iowa A'ol. Inf., serving with his com- 
rades through the campaign in .Southeast Missouri 
and Northwest Arkansas, in the fall of 1802, and 
in 18(i3in the campaign around Jackson and .at 
the siege of A'icksburg, then, on account Of illness 
while at New Orleans, to which place his regiment 
had gone, was sent home on sick furlough in the 
fall of 186.3. He was disabled for a long period 
but finally recovered and started to return to his 
regiment, which was then at Brownsville on the 
Rio Grande, but while on his way there he was 
commissioned Second Lieutenant of the 56th 
United States Cavalry, then at Helena, Ark., and 
joined his new regiment in February, 18G4. He 
soon rose to the rank of First Lieutenant, and after- 
ward served on the staff of Gens. McCook, Thaj'er, 
Carr and Col. Bentzoni while they were in com- 
mand of the Eastern district of Arkansas, .as aid-de- 
camp and Assistant Adjutant-General, until pro- 
moted Captain of Companj- B, of the same regi- 
ment. After serving awhile with his companj-, he 
was detailed as a member of the court martial at 
Little Rock, Ark., which was appointed to conduct 
the trial of Capt. Green Durbin, Assistant CJuarter- 
master, a trial that lasted for over three months. 
While .acting as one of the members of this court 
he first conceived the idea of studying law, realizing 
then of what importance and benefit the knowledge 



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of this might become to him. After a little over 
four years' service in the army, the war iiaving 
now practically closed, he was mustered out with 
his regiment in .September, 18GG, receiving the 
marked approval of his superior ofiicers. 

Immediatelj' upon returning home Capt. .Taques 
entered the law department of Harvard College, 
intending to take a full course, depending for his 
expenses upon the money which he had loaned a 
wealth}- planter near Helena, Ark., to take him 
through. By the partial failure of the cotton crop 
of 180G, this man became a bankrupt, and every 
dollar that Capt. Jaques possessed was irretriev- 
ably lost, and he was compelled to leave college 
the following spring. He then came directly to 
Ottumwa, and entered the office of Judge Williams, 
one of the leading jurists of .Southern Iowa, as a 
law student. Here he pursued his studies with 
desperate diligence, and was admitted to the bar 
that same year. In 1.SG8 he began the practice of 
his profession at Ottumwa, which he has followed 
contiuuousl}' in this city since that time. He is 
now admitted by all to be one of the leading- 
attorneys of Wai)ello Count}'. He has taken an 
intelligent interest in general and political matters, 
although the onl^' office he has ever been a candi- 
date for was that of Circuit Judge, in 1.S84. Then, 
in a total vote of over 25,000 he was l)eaten by 
l-tO votes. 

As an atti irney Capt. Jaques is careful and pains- 
taking in the preparation of a case for trial or 
for argument. He seems to work upon the sup- 
position that his side is the vveaker one. and care- 
fully views at every point the possibilit}' of defeat. 
The result of this care is that he is seldom defeated. 
As an advocate he is forcible, agreeable and per- 
suasive, and possesses c<jnsiderable natural talent as 
an orator. His extensive reading and a practice 
of eighteen years in connection witli one of the 
ablest attorneys of this section, has proved a rich 
and invaluable experience. He is still in the 
prime of life, and there is no doubt that tliere are 
greater successes awaiting him. 

The marriage of Capt. .lacpies with Mis> Flora 
Williams Wivs celebrated on the 'iOth of August, 
18Gi». Mrs. J. is .-i sister of Judge AMllianis. and of 
this uuit>n there have been born four children — 




.Stella W., J. Ralph, Edna and Mabel. The}' oc- 
cupy a handsome residence in Ottumwa, and their 
hospitable home is the resort of the culture and re- 
finement of the city. 



/^^\ ^■^- ^- ^- HAMILTON, proprietor of llie 
Ottumwa Courier, was born Jan. 19, 1827. 
within the present limits of Cleveland, 
Ohio. He is a sou of Justus and Salinda 
(Brainard) Hamilton, his father being a native of 
Massachusetts and his mother of Connecticut. The 
parents moved to Ohio at an early diiy, and locat- 
ing near Cleveland became acquainted with each 
other and were there married, becoming the par- 
ents of four children: Augustus H., the eldest, is 
the subject of this notice; Delia is living on the 
old homestead in Cleveland, Ohio; Edwin T. is 
present Judge of the Court of Common Pleas at 
Clevel.and, Ohio; Albert J. is engaged in the man- 
ufacturing business at Cleveland. The mother of 
these children was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and the father of the Unitiirian. The 
mother died in 18.59, and the father in 18G4. 

The subject of this biographical notice received 
the advantages afforded by the common schools, 
and supplemented his education by a literary 
course at Allegheny College, Pa. He was prac- 
tically through his course in that institution when 
his uncle, who had been elected Sheriff, requested 
his return home that he might enter his office ;i> 
Deputy. While living at Cleveland he read law 
with Williamson & Kiddle, and was there admitted 
to the bar. Believing the West afforded a broader 
field of operation, and hoping to better his financial 
condition, he, in June, 18.54, came to this State. 
.and after visiting various portions, in August of 
that year located at Ottumwa. On his arrival here 
he opened an office, and at once engaged in the 
practice of his profession, and w.as thus occupied 
until August. 1.SG2, being associated aliout eight 
years with Hon. ^Morris J. Williams. 

The pressing need of the Government for men 
in the field, during 18G2, induced our subject to 
give u|i a large practice, anil he enlisted in the ;^Gtli 
Iowa Infauliy. receiving the appointment of A<1 



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jiitant of the regiment. lie served in the latter 
office for about one year, when he was commis- 
sioned Major of tlie regiment. In IWfl.') our sub- 
ject was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel, but was 
never mustered in. on account of there being a lack 
<if men to ju.stify it. Maj. Hamilton participated in 
nearly- all the engagements of his regiment, and 
was captured at Mark's Mills, Ark., April 20, 1864. 
He was imprisoned at Camp Ford, near Tyler, Tex., 
and retained there until July 28 f>f the same 3'ear, 
when, in company with Cajit. Allen W. Miller, of 
Company C, and Capt. .lohn Lambert, of Company 
K, his regiment, he escaiied. The}' traveled a dis- 
tance of 700 miles on foot, without arms, and 
poorly clad, and arrived at Pine Bluffs, Ark., on 
the 24th of August. During the journey the trio 
suffered terrible privations, subsisting at one time 
for eighteen days on raw green corn. They were 
compelled to resort to all possible means to avoid 
detection. During the many weary da3-s of their 
journej' these three brave men slept in the shade 
of the forest, or under such shelter as they could 
find, but not a single day was passed indoors. They 
traveled nearly always by night, and their expe- 
rience sounds like the ante-war stories of escaping 
slaves, rather than white men, in this boasted land 
of freedom. For weeks at a time their ragged and 
dirty clothes were wet through, and their escape 
was indeed a marvelous one, considering the dan- 
gers to which they were subjected. .The Major's 
brave comrades died from the effect of tiieir ex- 
posure. Capt. Miller reached his home in Iowa, 
but died in September, 18(J4, from slow fever, 
which produced insanity. Capt. Lambert returned 
to his regiment, but was not fitted foj- duty, and 
died Jan. 6, ISO.'). Maj. Hamilton rejoined his 
regiment after a period of rest, and subsequently 
was much of the time in command. Ho was nius- 
tiTed out Aug. 24, 1 SG;'), and the regiment was dis- 
I'unded September 7 of that year, at Davenport. 

In 1869 Maj. Hamilton became associated with 
Gen. Hedrick in the publication of the Cimrier. 
and Jan. I, 1878, became sole proprietor. In the 
publication of this paper he has since continued. 
He has been favored by his fellow-citizens with a 
number of local otHces. lie was elected second 
.Mayor of Ottnmwa, and served several vears as a i 



member of the Common Council. In 1866 he was 
elected a member of the State Senate to fill a va- 
cancy, and was re-elected in 1868 to a full term. 
In 1870 he was apjiointed Postmaster at Ottnmwa, 
and continued to hold that office until July, 1885. 
Mr. llaniilton lias been prominently identified with 
the pnl)lic interests of Ottnmwa. In the construc- 
tion of the St. L. & C. K. Ky.. now the Wabash, 
he was appointed agent by the companj' to secure 
subscriptions, and succeeded in raising ij<.5(),000 in 
Wapello County. Jn the building of the Cedar 
Rai)ids, Sigourne^' & Ottnmwa, now the C, N. <fe 
St. P. R. H., he was verj' active, and for a time was 
one of its Directoi's. In educational matters our 
subject has always taken a great interest, and was 
for many years a member of the School Board at 
Ottnmwa. In fact there has been no jiublic enter- 
prise that he has not aided b}- voice, pen or 
money. 

Aug. U), 18o6, Maj. Hamilton was united in 
marriage with Elma C. Coffin, a native of Spring- 
field, Ohio. Six children were born of this union, 
three yet living — Mary E., Justus A. and Emma 
S. The deceased are, Edwin M., who died in in- 
fancy; Henry A. died in the third year of his age, 
and Charles II. , who was drowned at the .age of 
nine years, June 16, 187.5. 




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ylLLIAM B. ARMSTRONG, of Ottnmwa, 
occuijies the position of local freight and 
passenger agent on the C, B. <fe Q. K. R., 
and is fulfilling the duties of the office in a satisfac- 
tory manner. He is a native of Pike County, Pa., 
where he was born Aug. 10, 1830. His parents 
were \\illiani and .Mary (Pellett) Armstrong, his 
father in early life being a farmer bj- occupation 
;ind afterward extensively engaged in milling. When 
our subject was a small child his parents removed to 
Sussex County, N. .)., and there William B. was 
reared and received a fair education in the common 
sclioiils. His grandfather held a Major's commis- 
sion in the Revolutionary War, and enjoyed the 
ac(|uaintancc and confidence of (ien. Washington. 
He was a ni.in of great foice of ciiaractcr and fine 
aliilities, and representetl his district in the SUite 



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i ; I>egislature. He was afterward proffered a judge- 
{"5 ship, whioli ho declined to accept. He was :i re- 
J| 5 iiiarkablc man in many respects, and in all his deal- 
}f 5 ings with his feilow-uien strictly adhered to the 
?;^ principles of honor and honesty. 
^3 The parents of our subject had a family of eight 
(!' S children, three only of whom are living: (_)badiah 
!]j 3 1'.5 of New Jersey; William 15.. our subject, and 
J ^ .lohn B., a farmer of Sussex County, N. .T. They 
M 2 were Scotch Presb3'terians in religious belief, and 
,t1.S their- children were carefully trained to i)rinciples 
of high morality and integrity. 

A\'illiam L>. Armstrong of our sketch received a 
lilieral education, and in 18.51, deteimining to see 
something of the western countr3-. started out and, 
crossing tlie Father of Waters, located tirst in the 
city of St. Louis, Mo., where he was enii)loyed as 
clerlv in a commission house. The following year 
he went to Athens, where he continued his occupa- 
ti(m as clerk, and there, for the tirst time, became 
engaged in railroading, being the tirst local agent 
appointed for the Keokuk, Ft. Des Moines & 
Minnesota Railroad. He was thus employed for a 
period of eleven ^-ears, and in 1861 came to Ot- 
tumwa, acting in the same caiiacitj' for the Des 
Moines Valley Railroad, with which he remained 
J until 187"2, when he resigned to accept the position 
of General Agent of the B. & M. R. R. In Janu- 
ary, 1872, this road was consolidated with the C, B. 
cfe (I. Mr. Armstrong is a ]jractical railroad man, 
and has now had an experience of twent3'-live years 
in this line. From a small beginning the business 
has extended until now there are seven miles of 
switch track near their depots in Ottumwa, and the 
company itself will not deny that its success in a 
large measure is due to the intelligence and fidelity 
of its emploj'es, of wh(jm the subject_of our sketch 
ranks among the first and most faithful. 

In the sin-ing of 1802, Mr. Armstrong, in com- 
panj' with his brother, Capt. B. C. P. Armstrong, 
who died in the army near the close of the war, re- 
cruited, and B. C. P. Armstrong enlisted in Co. M, 
9th Iowa Vol. Cav., of which the latter was First 
Lieutenant, and subsequently received thecommis- 
H siou of Captain. Mr. Armstrong remained at home, 
jK Ijelieving it tv be a duty to look after the families 
of those who were absent, and was conserpiently 

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not engaged in active service on the field of battle. 

The subject of our sketch was united in marriage 
with Miss Virginia Thome, at Athens, Mo., in 
1858. Mrs. Armstrong is a native of Kentucky, 
and the daughter of Arthur and Eliza Thorne, of 
Athens. Mo. Of this union there were born four 
children, three of whom are living, as follows: 
William is ticket agent of the C, B. & ^l, at Ot- 
tumwa; Mary is the wife of John C. Fetzer, of 
Omaha, Neb.; Anna T. is at home with her par- 
ents. 

Mr. Armstrtmg is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternitj'. Blue Lodge Chapter and Commandery, 
being a charter member, and was the first Treasurer 
of the commandery. In politics he is a stanch Re- 
publican, and has held various local otiices. He has 
been a member of the City Council of Ottumwa 
several terms, and was Treasurer of the city several 
years, and School Director six years. Since first lo- 
cating here he has been identified with the busines.s 
interests of the city, giving his active support to- 
ward the cause of education and moralitj-, and has 
been the encourager of every worthy enterprise 
having for its object the welfare of his adopted 
city. 

\T]OSEPH L. HARMAN, of the firm of Hai-- 
man & Tisdale, in company with his partner 
is conducting the insurance business success- 
^^^JJ full}' in the city of Ottumwa and vicinity, 
their operations extending throughout the State. 
Mr. Harman is a native of Highland County', Ohio, 
and was born on the 21st of July, 1840. He is the 
son of David M. and Hester (Lawrence) Harman, 
the father a native of Virginia and the mother of 
English ancestr}^ and parentage. Their son, our 
subject, was reared in his native county, and re- 
ceived his education in the district schools. He re- 
mained under the parental roof until he had at- 
tained to j'ears of manhood, and then, the late Civil 
War being in progress, he enlisted, in 1 862, in Co. 
I, 4th Ind. >'ol. Cav., which was detailed to do 
duty in Kentucky and Tennessee. He remained in 
the service for two j^ears foUow-ing, and then on 
account of failing health received his discliarge and 
returned to his home in Ohio. 




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430 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



After he harl recovered his health young Harnian 
ajiaiii enlisted in the service of the Union, becom- 
ing a niemljer of Co. B, 1 7.5th Ohio ^'ol. Inf. This 
regiment he had assisted in raising, and received 
the commission of First JJeutenant of his company. 
The}' were ordered to Columbia, Tenn., to guard 
the Nashville Railroad, and were then ordered to 
Franklin, in the battle of which the regiment joined, 
"hence thej' marched to Nashville. Capt. Ileis- 
tand being detailed for other service, the command 
devolved upon Lieut. Ilarman. They participated 
in the fight, and came out unliarmed, and our sub- 
ject remained with his regiment until the close of 
the war, soon afterward, being mustered out with 
his comrades at Nashville. 

After the close of the war Lieut. Ilarman, in 
the fall of DSUTj, canie to Ottumwa, where he has 
since resided. In 1876 he established his present 
business. He represents the principal companies of 
the United .States, the Hartford and Pha-nix, of 
Connecticut; the North American, of Pennsylvania ; 
the Fire Association, the Pennsylvania, and the 
American of Philadelphia, and the Home, Conti- 
nental, Niagara, and Glen F'alls, of New York; 
the Fireman's F'und, the Union, of California; the 
.St. Paul, of St. Paul, and the Ro^'al, Citj' of Loudon, 
and Lancashire, of Liverpool; and the Norwich, the 
Willianislturg City, the Western, and the Fire As- 
sociation. ]Mr. Ilarman is considered an enterpris- 
ing business man, and is peculiarly adapted to his 
present undertaking. He is highly esteemed among 
the business men of this community, and socially 
belongs to Capt. Cloutman Post No. GO. 

Lieut. Harman was married, in 1«(17, to Miss 
Maggie Zollers, of Ottumwa, and of their union 
there have been born two children — Lillie and 
F'rank. The\' occui)3' a handsome home in the 
city, and are surrounded b^- all the evidences of re- 
finement and cultivated tastes. 

'^5^AMUF:L H. BURTON, City Engineer of 
Ottumwa, anil Survej'or of Wapello County, 
is a native of Waterloo, Seneca Co., N. Y., 
\\here he was born on the 21)th day of Jau- 
Lyihj nary, 1841. He is the son of John and Elizabeth 
^i^"^ (Hooper) Burton, the former a native of ]\Linches- 



ter, England, and the latter of Saratoga. N. Y., and 
a grand-daughter of (ien. Clark of Revolutionary 
fame. The parents of John Burton emigrated to 
America when he was a mere bo}'. He received 
careful jiarental training, a tine education, and be- 
came an attorney at law. He was a skillful jjrac- 
titioner and prominent in the |)nblic affairs of his 
adopted country-. 

'I'he subject of our sketch w.-is icared in the 
count}' of his birth, obtained his primary etiucation 
in the district scho(jls, and subscquentlj' entered 
Waterloo Acadenij', from which he graduated in 
18;V,). He entered upon the studj- of law in the 
office of Judge E. L. linrton, came to Ottumwa on 
the 1st of January', 1802, and was admitted to the 
bar the f<jllo\\ ing 3-ear. .Soon afterward the i)ub- 
lisher of the Ottumwa Democrat, Capt. Evans, en- 
listed in the army, and Judge Burton, the proprietor 
of the paper, solicited our subject to fill the editor- 
ial position vacated bj- Capt. Evans. In the fall 
of the same j'ear he was elected County .Surveyor, 
serving two years, and also remained editor of the 
Democrat until 18(j;). In 1875 he was apjiointed to 
fill a vacancy as County .Surve3or, which position 
he has since held. 

Mr. Burton is a practical civil engineer, and is 
well i)osted in regard to the duties of his position. 
He was married in Wapello County, in I860, to 
Miss Julia, the daughter of Lj-man Day, of AVater- 
loo, N. Y. Of this union there were born six chil- 
dren, three of whom are living — iMabel, Gracie and 
Marj'. l\Irs. Burton departed this life in 1875. 
She was a highlj- resjjected Christian latl^', and 
prominently connected with the Episcopal Church, 
of which our subject was a member. 

For his second wife Mr. Burton was united in 
marriage with Mrs. Rhoda ((iarbery) Armstrong, 
who by her marriage with James Armstrong, 
now deceased, became the mother of one child, a 
daughter, F]dna. ( )f her marriage with our subject 
there has been born one child, a son, Frank. They 
occupy a pleasant residence in the northern part of 
the city, and enjoj' the friendship of a large circle 
of acquaintances. 

Mr. Burton has been identified with the interests 
of Wapello County f(n- a i)eriod of twenty-four 
years. During that time he h.as witnessed with 





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BUSINESS a. TENEMENT PROPERTY OF J.R PICKLER, E.MAIN ST. OTTUMWA lA . 






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RESIDENCE a FARM PROFERTr OF CHRISTOPHER CRODDY.SEts, 27&29,Wa5hin8ton township 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



438 



pleasure the march of i)rogress and the many 
changes of this locality, and he, in common with all 
other good citizens, feels a jnst pride and satisfac- 
tion in the prosperity of the Hawkeye State. He 
is Conservative in politics, decided in his views, 
and possesses an intelligent and well-informed 
mind. 



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eCUODDY, a farmer and stock-raiser on sec- 
tion 27, Washington Township, was born in 
Rockbridge County, Va., Aug. .SI, 1828, 
and is a son of ,Tohn and Mary (Shafer) Croddy, 
both of, whom are of English ancestr_y. His mother 
died in A'irginia, April IS. 1S33. In 1843 his father 
moved from Mrginia to Indiana, wliere he remained 
until his death, which occurred Aug. 29, 1846. He 
was a boat-builder by trade. 

The subject of this sketch was reared upon the 
farm and educated in the common schools of his 
native State. In 184'.) he married Miss M. J. Good- 
win, a native of Indiana, born March 2.5, 1833, and 
the daughter of B. D. and Lillie (Hildreth) (Jood- 
win. Eight children were born to this union: .John 
J., deceased; Benjamin F., deceased; Algena A., 
deceased; Alice .J., now the wife of James T. Mael, 
and living at Eldon; J. J., C. T., C. L., and one 
who died in infancy. 

In 18o5 Mr. Croddj' canu^ with his wife and 
three children into AVapello County, where he h;is 
since continued to reside. He owns 198 acres of 
well-improved laud. He has held several of the 
different township offices, is a member of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, and in politics is a Democrat. A 
handsome lithographic vievv of Air. Croddy's coun- 
try and city property is shown on another page of 
this work. 



EMAN P. GRAVES was among the pio- 
neers of Ottumwa, Iowa, and wa.s born in 
Ashfield, Franklin Co., Mass., on the 1st day 
of Ma}', 1810. His ancestors were of the 
old Puritan stock who first settled at Cape Cod, 
and afterward scattered over the State and througii- 




out the country. The father of our subject, Doru 
Graves, married Thankful Parker, and they settlec 
at Ashfield, Mass. There ten children were bor 
to them and five of the number .ire yet living: 
Naomi is the wife of Darius Beardslej', who wai 
born in Ithaca, N. Y. ; Dorus, Jr., is living at Ot 
tumwa, Wapello County ; lleman P. is the subject 
of this notice; Orra is a resident of Van Buren 
County, and the widow of Sylvester Henry ; Charles 
is a resident of Ashfield, JIass. The f.ather and 
mother always lived at Ashfield. They were both 
church members and highly respected l)y all who 
knew them. He was a woolen manufacturer I)}' oc- 
cupation. 

The subject of this notice was brought up to the 
trade of his father, and in 1831, when twenty-one 
years of age, left his native State and went to Jer- 
sey Shore, Lycoming Co., Pa., where he embarked 
in the mercantile business as traveling merchant. 
He came to this State in the fall of 183G, when the 
same was yet a Territory, and located at Benton's 
Port, "\\in Buren Count}'. There, in the heavy 
timber, he took up a tract of Government land, 
and locating upon it vigorously entered ui)on the 
task of its improvement and cultivation. He was 
married in 1838. to Miss Harriet Reid, a native of 
Palmyra, Mo., who was born in 1820. In the fall 
of 1844 our subject moved his family to and lo- 
cated in Ottumwa, and took charge of the first 
store at that i^lace, owned by Richard & Coles. He 
remained with that firm for some three years, at the 
expiration of which time the business was purchased 
by Mr. Richards, and our subject remained with 
him for twelve j'ears, since which time he has been 
interested in looking after his own afi'airs. 

Mr. and Mrs. Graves are the parents of four 
children, two of whom are yet living: Maria, wife 
of James 8. Harlan, a resident of Corydon, Wayne 
Co., Iowa, and Julia, wife of David Spear, of 
Princeton, Mo. JMrs. Graves departed this life in 
1847. She was a member of the Methodist E])is- 
copal Church, and a sincere Christian. For his 
second wife our subject married Miss Lydia A. 
Goddard, the union occuring in 1852. She was 
born in Urbana, Ohio, in 1825. Ot this lattci- 
union there are three living children — Flora, M.iy 
Belle and William F. 



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434 



WAPELLO COUKTY. 



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In politics Mr. Graves is aiul 1ms been a Repub- 
lican ever since the (»rganiz:ition of that party. 
For six 3'ears he held tiie ufiice of .Justice of the 
IV'ace, and has also been the inciinibent of other 
ollices of minor import. When he first came to 
Ottuniwa there wei'c only seven small log caliins 
here and one little frame residence. lie has lived 
to see tiie small hamlet develop into a city of 
12.0(111 inhabitants, and in addition thereti.i lie has 
witnessed the broad uncultivated acres brought to 
a high state of cuitivation, and nnide to bloom and 
blossom as the rose. \\'li,'it a change! When he 
came to this State there were plenty of Indians, 
l)Ut their faces are to be seen no more, tmd old 
lUack Hawk, with wlioui our subject was intimatel3' 
acquainted, has long since passed to the happy 
liunting-ground. There ai'e but few living in the 
State who have been residents of the same longer 
than our suliject, and it is by such bi()gra|)hical his- 
tory as this that their names will l)e perpetuated. 
Mr. and IMrs. (Jraves are botii members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, to which denonuna- 
lion our subject has belonged for many years. 

KS. K. G. CONWKLL. the widow (,f .John 
("onwell, of Cass Township, owns and oc- 
cupies an attractive homestead on sec- 
tion ;S. John Conwell was a farmer and 
stock-grower, and one of the most highl}' respected 
men of this community. He was born in Ohio 
about the year 1810, and was the son of William 
.•Old .Mary (Sampson) Conwell, both natives of Ken- 
tucky. On tlie 2;)th of February, KS.'!.'!, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Kitty (i. (iriftin, their 
wedding taking phice in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. 
.Mrs. Conwell was born in Charles County, Md., on 
the 2.id of January, is 12, .-uid was the daughter of 
Samuel and Elizabeth (Kobey) (iritlin, also natives 
of .Marylanil. They removed to Ohio soon after 
the birth of their daughter, where they passed the 
remainder of their lives. 

Mrs. Conwell was the fourth child uf a famih' of 
six, and after her marriage li\ed with her husband 
upon a farm in Ohio until about the year 1M52. 
.Mr. C. then sold his property, and con)ingto k>wa 





l)urchased 280 acres of wild lan<l in AVai>elIo 

County, and commenced thr improvement of the 

farm wiiich constitutes the prcscnl homestead. He 

was i)rospered in his business ami fanning tiaiis- 

actions, and at his death had accumulated sulMcienl ^ 

[iroperty to furnish a comfortable support bn- his : 

family. n 

'J'he death of John Conwell occurred im the 17th ': 

c- 

of November, 1872, at his home in Cass Township. H: 

Bf 

He was a u.seful member of the community, and « 

the eucourager and sujjporter of ever3' measure ji 
c:dculate<l to increase its prosperity. He took an 5; 
active and intelligent interest in public matters, i. 
was the friend of education, and especially inter- 3! 
csted in the Methodist Episcopal Church of this ;, 
township, to whose support he contributed cheer- 3] 
fully and liberally. He held the various offices | 
within the gift of his fellow-t<iwnsmen. and was Si} 
honored and esteemed bj' all on account of his if:\ 
straightforward business methods and his kindly 3!= 
C'hristian character. 

Of the union of Jlr. and INIrs. Conwell there were 
born twelve children, six of whom are living: Will- 
iam, Elizabeth and Samuel are deceased ; Marj' be- 
came the wife of Nelson Johnson, who is a farmer 
by occupation; Lot is conducting a farm in Cass 
Township; John W., in Jlonroe County, Iowa; Al- 
bert in Cass Township ; Martha and Ruth died in in- 
fanc\-; Thomas is at home; Sarah J. married Will- 
iam Warren, of Eldon, this county ; the j'onngest 
child died unnamed. 

Mrs. Conwell reached the seventy-liftli j'car of 
her age on the 23d of January', 1887. She is a well 
preserved, bright and intelligent lady, a kind friend 
and neighbor, and a devoted member of the Jleth- gi 
odist Ei)iscopal Church. 



^-*-#- 



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f OHN KIHKPATUICK, a farmer and stock- 
grower, living in the village of Kirkville. 
this county, was born in Guernsey County, 
( )hio. Aug. 2.5, lisos. and is the son of 
Thomas 15. ;ind Mary (Henthorn) Kirkpatrick, the 
former a native of Ireland and the latter of Penn- 
.sjdvania. The father was by occupation a farmer, 
and a man of more than ordinary ability, and was 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 






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for seven years one of the Associate Justices of 
(iiiernsey County, Ohio. He was born May 1, 1775, 
:iiiil died in Ohio, Aug. 14, 1851. The mother of 
John was born Feb. 24, 1783, and died in Kirk- 
ville, Iowa, Aug. 16, 1872. 

The subject of this slcetch w;is reiired on ;i farm 
in his native State, and in 1830 was united in niar- 
ri.nge with Mar\' A. K3'gar, who was bom Feb. 5, 
1812, and is a daughter of Daniel and Ann (Hen- 
thorn) Kygar, the former of whom died April 27, 
1849, and the latter June 9, 1859. To our subject 
and wife were born the!following cliildren: Mar}- 
A., deceased ; Hannah J. ; Eliza, deceased ; Henry 
married Agnes Lamme, and lives in Richland 
Township; Daniel was killed in the United States 
service at Mark's Mills, Ark. ; Thomas married 
Martha Hirst; J. M. married Lizzie Zentz. 

In 1833 Mr. Kirkpatrick moved from Ohio to 
Illinois, and lived there until 1844, when he moved 
to Wapello County, Iowa. He made the trip from 
Ohio to Illinois on a keelboat, which he poled up 
the Wabash River. When he came to Iowa he made 
the trip with three yoke of oxen. On coming to 
this county, he located on the site of the present 
village of Kirkville, which he had surveyed and 
platted in 1848. On the 28th day of April, 1850, 
he started across the plains with an ox-team for 
California, in company with Daniel Kygar and Da- 
vid Bates, the latter dying of cholera while en 
route. Mr. Kirkpatrick landed in California Aug. 
28, 1850. For live months of the time spent in 
California, he was too sick for work, and the re- 
mainder of tlie time he spent in prospecting. In 
1851 he returned home b^' waj' of the Isthmus of 
Panama, New Orleans and the Mississipjji River, 
landing at home March 17 of that j'ear. In 1863 
he drove 200 head of cows to Pike's Peak, his cat- 
tle swimming the Missouri River at Plattsniouth, 
and all other streams on the route. He arrived -at 
home from this journey on the the 25th day of De- 
cember, 1863. Previous to the time he went to 
California, he spent some live years in trading upon 
the lower Mississippi and upon the coast near New 
Orleans. 

The life of Mr. Kirkpatrick has been an active 
one. C:onilug to this county in 1844, he lias been 
a witness of all the improvements that have been 



made, and few men have been more actively en- 
gaged and are better known than John Kirkpatrick. 
No man in Wapello County enjoys the respect and 
esteem of his fellow-citizens more than he. Finan- 
cially he has been quite successful, and in his old 
age can enjoy life without any of its worry. He is 
a Master Mason, a memljer of the Metiiodist Epis- 
copal Church, and politically is a Republican. 

"REDERICK HARNESS, a retired farmer 




m 



iving in the citj' of Ottumwa, was born in 
Fajette County, Ohio. Dec. 25, 1813, and 
is a son of John and Helen (Trotwine) Harness, 
both natives of Virginia and early settlers of 
Fayette County. Our subject was reared upon a 
farm, receiving but limited advantages in tlie way 
of securing an education, and when about twelve 
years of age, left Faj'ette and went int(j Oreene 
County, where he worked on a farm for a Mr. 
Gideon Spohr till he was sixteen years of age, when 
he went to La Faj-ette, Ind., where he remained until 
he was twenty-one. He then, in the following 
year, was engaged for himself in farming, having 
had a farm left to him by his grandfather. This, 
however, he soon sold, and returned to (ire^ne 
County, Ohio, where he rented land for four or 
live years, when we find him making another nnive. 
This time he went into Darke County. Ind.. where 
he resided for eight years. Here he bought a farm 
of eighty acres, which he sold at the expiration of h ft 
the time mentioned, and moved «^n a farm in Ran- r^^ 






111 



dolph Count}', the same State, which he had also 
become the owner of. Two years was the allotted 
time, seemingi}-, for his sojonin here, .as at the end 
of that time we find him on his journey westward. 
He arrived in \\apello County May 10, 1850, 
sincf which time, however, he has abandoned the 
roving spirit so characteristic of him in his early 
life, for this has l)een his permanent home since. 
F(_)r a year after his arrival he rented u farm in 
Center Township, when he went into (Jreen, where 
he bought 200 acres ()f laud, most of which was 
raw prairie. This he inipro\cd and lirouglit to a 
high state of cultivation, and lived upon it until 
1881, when he retired from the active laliors of 



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436 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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life and moved into the city of Ottiimwa, where 
lie could better enjoy the accumulations of his 
earliest efforts. 

Our subject was united in marriage, July 20, 
1835, with Miss Rosanna McDill, a native of Penn- 
sylvania, and a daughter of John and Mary (Halla- 
daj') McUill, also natives of the Keystone State. 
To them six children were born, namelj- : Elmira, 
who died at the age of one year; Mar}- Ann was 
the wife of George L. Moyer, of Jlissouri, and 
died in 1874 at the age of twent^'-eight years; John 
Henry was born July KJ, 1839, and became a 
menilier of the 7th Iowa Infantry, enlisting in 
181)2, and gave his life in the defense of his coun- 
try, having been killed at Corinth, Miss., after a 
service of two years. He was a valiant soldier 
and served in all the battles of his regiment till his 
death, lie was wounded at Belmont and again at 
Douelson. and killed at Corinth, Oct. 20, 1862. 
Elizabeth Ellen is the wife of James lleckart, of 
(ireen Township, this county ; Gideon died in 18G2, 
aged seventeen years and six months. The mother 
of this family died April 27, 1880, aged seventy- 
one years, and our subject was united in marriage 
witli Mrs. McLain. widow of John McLaiu, of 
Memphis, Mo., and formerly a Miss Kirkpatrick. 
-Mr. II. has also reared a graudchild named Elmira 
Aloyer. 

Mr. II. is a member of the Christian Church, 
while iiis wife is connected with the Presbyterian. 
Politically he is a Republican, and has ever taken an 
active interest in public affairs, lie liegan life a 
poor boy, his father having died wlien he was two 
years old. leaving him to the care of his mother, 
who dieil in IS(;2. He has accumulated a hand- 
some propert}' by his own efforts, and is regarded 
as ail excellent and representative citizen of the 
county. 

j^^ P. CRIPS, of Ottumwa. tiie son of W. H. 

^^^^ Crips, of Center Towiisliip, this county, is 

llL/ D) :i native of tlie State of Pennsylvania. His 

earl}' life was spent on the farm of his 

fatiier, and he attended school in the winter season 

.iiid ill siiiiiuu'r assisteil in tiie duties around the 

homestea<l as soon as he became of suitaljle age. 



I 



^.FFPryJi" 




He remained under the parental roof iiiitil he was 
twenty-one years old, and after a year spent in 
Kansas, in the spring of I87y, came to Ottumwa 
and engaged on the Transfer Line, then owned by 
Michael Crips, with whom he remained until Sep- 
tember, 1884. 

Mr. Crips then went to Chariton, Iowa, and pur- 
chased a restaurant, which he operated until the 
20th of March, 1886. The 1st of April he re- 
turned to Ottumwa, and purchased an interest iu 
the liverj' and transfer line with which lie is at 
present engaged, the name and style of the linn 
being W. S. Crips <fe Bro. They are carrying on 
business in a straightforward and systematic man- 
ner, and the firm is one of the useful factors in the 
business element of the city. 

The subject of our sketch was united in marriage 
with Miss Anna W Jeffries, who was born iu 
Wapello County, on the 4th of August, 1867. 
Mrs. Crips is the daughter of B. W. and Mary 
(Allcoek) Jeffries, the former a native of Kentucky. 
She is prominently connected witli the Main Street 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Crips is Repub- 
lican in politics, and sociall}' is connected with the 
A. O. U. W. 



,EV. WILLIAM AXSELM ^"YE, one of the! 
popular local preachers of Wapello Count}', 
tii \\\ wliile dispensing the Gospel of peace to 
^numbers of his fellow-beings, has sought 
his recreation in the tilling of the soil, and is the ^ 
owner of one of the most valuable farms in Cass 
Townsliip, located on section 36. Here he has a 
beautiful residence, good barns and out-buildings, 
and all the appurtenances of a modern country 
seat. He has pursued his agricultural operations 
with more than ordinary intelligence and skill, and 
has reached the just reward of his labors in being 
the owner of one of the finest lioinestea<ls in this| 
section of the State. In addition to his evident 
talents as a business man and a fanner, lie is also a 
valuable member of society, has been zealous in ? 
his leliaious work, devoted to the cause of temper-: n. 
ancc, ;ind socially is one of the most genial sjiirits: ^ 
of his age. His course as a minister has been pop-- " 



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x7i]xnixxxxrmxiixxx 








^^^^m^ 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 




mI.u-, his warm sj'mpathies and cheerful sorviecs 
L^.iining him a passport to the confidence and affec- 
tiun of a host of friends. 

William Anselm 'Nye is the son of Ludwig and 
\iar\- (Ilabig) N3'e. He was born in Bavaria, May 
L'.'i. l.S:i4. In the spring of IS'M) he commenced 
nitciulance in the school of his native town, where 
111' continued the following four years, and then his 
l-ither sold his property at a gre.at sacrifice in order 
(.1-^ he said) to emigrate with his children to a free 
conntrj'. They embarked in July, 11S34., and after 
a voyage of thirt^'-sevendays landed in New York 
Citj' where, after a few days, they resumed their 
journej' westward, and located in Waverly, Pike 
Co., Ohio. After a few days the father was seized 
with fatal illness, and died on the Sth of October, 
1834. After this misfortune the family removed 
to a farm near Waverly, where our subject attended 
the country school and began to learn the English 
language. This school was conducted onh' three 
months in the j'ear, and of these meager opportun- 
ities he availed himself until he was eighteen years 
of age, in the meantime assisting his motlier's fam- 
ily in the duties of the farm. 

On the 3d of October, 1844, Mr. Nye was united 
in marriage with !Miss Rebecca Wicker, and five 
days later, he left Ohio, with his bride to seek his 
fortune in the farther West. They stopped for a 
few months near Abingdon, in Knox County, 111., 
and thence came to Wapello County, Iowa, arriv- 
ing here on the 1st day of March, 1845. In due 
time Mr. Nye selected the tract of land which, 
under his cultivation and supervision, has now be- 
come the beautiful farm estate of which ho is the 
proud possessor and still occupies. The township 
was not then organized, but when this was effected 
Mr. Nye was elected the first .Justice of the Peace, 
by the unanimous vote of the people, and was re- 
tained in the office several terms. In 1879 he was 
elected County Treasurer, which position he held 
four years with credit to himself and satisfaction 
to all concerned. 

I'ljon his first arrival here Mr. Nye at once be- 
came interested in the establishment of schools and 
everything tending to advance tiie cause of educa- 
tion. He has served as School Director for nearly 
twenty years, and has been the standi fiimd of 



every measure calculate<l to advance the commu- 
nity in intelligence, morality and religion. In early 
life he was identified with tiie Whig partj^and upon 
the abandonment of the old part}' cordially indorsed 
the princii)lesof the Republicans, and has uniformly 
cast his vote with them since that time. He wa> 
active in the organization of the latter party, beinu 
one of the delegates to the State Convention at 
Iowa City at the time it assumed the dignity of a 
party. 

'Sir. Nye became a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in April, 1842. In March, 184."i, 
the first religious services in the township were helil 
at his house, and in AjM-il following he secured the 
Rev. Cyrus Spurlock. who i)reached the first sermon 
ever delivered in the township. In .June foUowing 
a Sabbath-school was organized at his house, proli- 
ably the first in the county, of which he was aji- 
pointed Superintendent, and the good work which 
he began at that early daj- he has continued faith- 
fully since. On the lyth of March, 1853, Mr. Nye 
was duh' licensed .as a Christian minister, and at 
the Methodist Episcopal Conference held in Sep- 
tember, 1800, he was ordained Deacon by Bishop 
Scott, and in 1864 was ordained Elder by Bishop 
Jaynes. For six years he was a circuit supj^ly, and 
at .an early daj' gave his gratuitous services w her- 
ever called for to people who had no regular min- 
ister. He has probabl}' attended more funerals and 
solemnized more marriages than anj' minister in the 
county. 

The first wife of our subject, Mrs. Rebecca W. 
Nye, became the mother of five children, and de- 
parted this life at the homestead in Cass Township 
Aug. 18, 1855. He married for his second wife 
IMrs. Jlary A. (Hoyt) Persons, and they became the 
parents of five children, one of whom is deceased. 



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JOSEPH W. WORKMAN, Sheriff of Wapello 
Count}', .and a resident of Ottumwa, is a na- 
^.^ tive of Coshocton County, Ohio. He was born 
(^J) on the -ieth of May, 1840, and is the son of 
James and Hannah (Walker) Workman, natives of 
the same State as their son and among the earliest 
settlers of Coshocton County, to which they re- 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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moved from Ouernsey Count}'. .lamei* Workman, 
after lii> rt'iii<>v:il from liis native eounty, entered a 
claim ill Cosliocton. and after lalwirions toil, opened 
u[) a faiiii ill llic \vild(Miics:i and established a com- 
fortable home. The piireiilal household included 
eiyht children, of wh<mi six are living, as follows: 
l.avina liecame the wife of Ricliard Hunter, of Knox 
County, Ohio; Hiram H. is also a resident of that 
county; .1. W. came West and located in Wapello 
County, Iowa; Rebecca married Adam .'^app, of 
Knox County, Ohio; llattie became the wife of 
Frank Strin.afcUow, of Greene County, Ind.. and 
(ieorge li. lives in Coshocton County, Ohio. 

The father of our subject was a man of high 
moral principles and decided views; and was an 
jja ;|ijj] enthusiastic Democrat. He departed this life in 
Ijj i: ;[ March, 1 880, at his residence in Coshocton County. 
The companion of his early manhood and the 
mother of his children preceded him to the better 
land twenty-two years before, dying in 1 8.58. They 
1} 1 were both prominent!}' connected with the Baptist 
j^^l Church, of which James AVorkmaii was a Deacon 
for many years. He was a man of more than or- 
dinary intelligence, and well posted upon all mat- 
ij ters of geiier.ll interest. 

^ .loseph W. Workman was reared in the county of 
his birth and received liis early education in the 
pioneer log cabin, with imiicheon floor and slabs 
for seats and desks. Into these light was admitted 
through a square place sawed out of the logs and 
covered with greased paper. He received careful 
parental training, being reared to habits of indus- 
try and economy, and remained under the parental 
roof until the lireaking out of the late Civil War. 
He was drafted twice, lirst in 18(!'2, and also the 
following year, itrocuiing a sulistitute on both oc- 
casions. 

The subject of our sketch was married in Ohio, 

a in 18G3, to Miss Lydia Draper, who died of con- 

1 sumption the following year. He was the second 

time married, in 180.'), ta Miss Phcebe Barnes, of 

Holmes County, Ohio. .She was born on the 19th 

of December, 1843, and is the daughter of Per- 

g menus and ^largaret Barnes. In KSGSthey removed 

across the Mississippi into Wapello County, Iowa, 

and located in Oreen Township iqxm a farm, where 

Mr. W. engaged in agricultural pursuits, aiul liy his 



PI 



upright and straightforwai'd manner of doing busi- 
ness at once secured the esteem and confidence of 
his neighbors. He was intrusted with the various 
township ciflices and became [jroniinent in the af- 
fairs of this locality. In 1883 he was nominated 
by the Democratic party to the office of Sheriff, 
and elected, taking his office the following year. 
He was re-elected in 1885, and continues to hold 
the office, the duties of which he has fulfilled with 
credit to himself anil satisfaction to all concerned. 
He is the friend and eucourager of education, an<l 
every enterprise which has for its object the pro- 
gress and welfare of his county and community. 
He and his excellent lady are highly esteemed 
in this community, and their home is the resort of 
the cultured people of the city of Ottumwa. Mr. 
Workman belongs to the I. O. O. F., being a mem- 
ber of Ottumwa Lodge No. !* and Patriarch Circle. 
He is also a member in good standing of the A. O. 
U. W. 

NDREW J. BRYANT, a rising attorney of 
the city of Ottumwa, is a native of Wa- 
jiello County, and was born in Adams 
^ Township on the 30th of March, 18o3. 

His parents were Benjamin and Rachel (Chilton) 
Bryant, the father a native of Kentucky, born in 
]!S27, and the mother of Missouri, born on the 4th 
of duly, 1821). They were married in Missouri, 
and removed to Henry County, Iowa, in 184G. 
They soon afterward came into Wapello County, 
and settled in Adams Township, being among the 
pioneers of this section. In 1868 they left Wapello 
County to locate in Davis County, Iowa, and at 
present are residents of Bloomfield, that county. 
The parental household included eleven children, 
of whom eight sons and one daughter are living. 
The parents are prominently connected with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. In early life Benja- 
min Bryant affiliated with the Democratic party, 
but at the breaking out of the Rebellion he con- 
sidered that he had reason to change his status and, 
joining the Republican party, has uniformly sup- 
ported its principles since that time. 

Andrew J. Bryant received his primary education 
in the common schools, afterward attending Trov 




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Academy, and Inter, the State Norni.il School at 
Kirkville, Mo., where he completed the scientific 
course. lie then entered upon the study of law in 
the office of Temple & Phelps, at Atlantic, Iowa, 
and was admitted to practice in the courts of Iowa 
in 1879. Previous to this he had been employed 
as a teacher, and for a year was Principal of Mil- 
ford High School. 

Mr. Bryant came to Ottumwa in April, 1880, 
opened an office, and has since confined himself to 
the duties of his profession. He took an active in- 
terest in the campaign of 1884, and the year fol- 
lowing was elected Chairman of the Republican 
Central Committee. In 188(j, much against his 
wishes, he was re-elected. He is an enthusiastic 
Republican, and has fulfilled the duties of his po- 
sition as Chairman of the Central Committee with 
credit to himself and the partj'. Although still a 
3'oung man he has made a record to be proud of, and 
has attained his position in the communitj' by his 
own efforts. He is held in high esteem by his fel- 
low-citizens, who are always ready to encourage 
worthy efforts and will rejoice at his future suc- 
cesses. 

Mr. Bryant was married on the 27th of October, 
1881, to Miss Lizzie Bills. Mrs. B. is a native of 
Missouri, and the daughter of John C. and Mary 
A. BiUs, of Wapello County. Hy her union with 
our subject she has l)ecome the mother of two chil- 
dren — Stella JNI. and Leila C. The parents are reg- 
ular attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Socially- Mr. Bryant belongs to the Masonic fra- 
ternity, having attained to the degree of a JLister 
Mason. He is is also a member of the I. (). (). F., 
the A. O. U. "U'. and the Sons of ^■eterans. 



^ B. HELMAN, a farmer and stock-raiser on 
section 36, Pleasant Townsiiip, was born in 
Asliland County, Ohio, Nov. l,j, 1835, and 
is the son of David and Elizabetli (Smith) 
Helman, both of whom were luUives of Pennsyl- 
vania. The mothei' died in Ohio in 1874, and the 
father Oct. 21!, 18.S(), in Wa3-ne County, that State. 
In 1866 the subject of tliis sketch moved from 
Ohio to WajJcUo County. He was nnniicd in 



1858 to Lyilin Snialley, who was born in Ashland 
County, Ohio, in 1.S37, and was tiie daughter of 
Benjamin and ^lary (Smith) Smalley. Her mother 
died in A.shland Countj', Ohio, in 1H74; her father 
still survives, and is living in that county. 

Mr. and j\Irs. Helman became the parents of six 
children: Frank O. lives in Ashlaiul, Ohio; Charles 
E. resides near Cleveland, Ashtabula Co., Ohio; 
Walter \V. is in Wellington, Lorain Co., Ohio; 
David C. lives in Ashtabula County, the same 
State; Benjamin F. also lives in Ashtabula County ; 
Tibbie makes her home with her father. Mrs. 
Helman died in .Tanuarj', 1873, and is buried in the 
Batavia Cemeterj-. 

During the war of the Rebellion ;\Ir. Helman en- 
listed in Co. F, 176th Ohio Vol. Inf., and served 
as a non-commissioned officer from .lune, 1862, to 
June, 1865, when he was discharged >it Columbus, 
Ohio. He was in the battles of Nashville and 
Franklin, Tenu. Mr. Helman is the owner of 144 
acres of good farm land, all of which is under a 
high state of cultivation, the farm being one of the 
best watered in Pleasant Township. On the place 
is a fine orchard, a fine natural grove, and a maple 
grove. Our subject is a member of the G. A. R., 
.and i)olitically he is a Republican. 



firni of Thrall & Gilcrest, Ottumwa, was 
\s \v born in Mt. Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio, Aug. 
5, 1823. His father was an officer in the War 
of 1812, a man of good business capacity, and w.as 
often chosen by the people of his section in Ohio to 
fill pl.aces of honor and public trust. The subject of 
this sketch in his youth attended the district schools 
until sufficiently adv.anced to enter the Martins- 
burg Academy, which he did in l.s3!), and after at- 
tending for some ye.ars took a partial course at 
Kenyon's College. 

Ma3' 7, 1847, Mr. Gilcrest commenced tlie study of 
medicine, under the instructi(jn of Dr. II. L. Thrall, 
of Gambier, Ohio, Mttending his first course of med- 
ical lectures at the Western Reserve College, Cleve- 
land, Ohio, in the winter of 1S50-51. On the close 
of the lecture term, by request, he went to New Al- 





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440 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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bany and took charge of Dr. Hrooks' practice dur- 
ing his teniporarv absence. Returning to Cleve- 
l;iiiil he attended another c()ur,se of lectures, and re- 
ceived his medical degree in the spring of 1853. 
April 1 of the same year lie began the practice of 
his profession at De Graff, and there resided until 
18SG, when he came to Ottunnva. Notwithstand- 
ing the fatigue of a laborious general practice he 
managed to read and inform himself of the latest 
discoveries and im|)rovements in medical science. 
His confidence in the jiower of judiciously chosen 
remedies is .as great now .as on his entering his pro- 
fe.ssion. He made a visit to California as a dele- 
gate to the American Medical Association that met 
in San Francisco, M.ay 2. 1^71. While on the Pa- 
cific coast Dr. Gilcrest visited the Vosemite Val- 
ley, the (inysers, and most i)laces of interest to 
travelers, and en rdute spent a day at .Salt Lake 
City. 

In 1852 Dr. (iilcrest was united in marrriage 
with Filena Brooks, <>f Culumbus, Ohio, who died 
in 1854. In 1850 the Doctor married Annie B. 
Brooks, of De Graff, Ohio, and of this latter union 
one child was liorn, named Fay, wlio is now de- 
ceased. 

The Doctor is a member of Logan County' Med- 
ical Society, the Ohio State Medical Societj", the 
American Medical Association, and an honorary- 
member of the California State Medical Society. 

EORGE BANE, a resident of Ottumwa, and 

JT Treasurer of Wapello County, Iowa, is a 
_J native of Ohio County, Ya., where he was 
liorn on the Oth of .lanuary, 18;^;5. He is the son 
. if Absalom and Sarah (Dowley) Bane, who removed 
fiom \'irginia to Ohio in 18.')5, locating in Cham- 
paign C\)unty at an earl}- perioil in tlie history of 
that region. There they estal)lished a permanent 
home, and remained there until the close of their 
lives. Absalom Bane was a farmer b_y occupation, 
and cleared a farm in the midst of a heavj- timber 
1 1 act. The household circle consisted of ten chil- 
dren, of whom six are still living, as follows: 
Nancy is the widow of George Leavitt, and lives 




near Paris, Edgar Co., 111. ; Lovina married Henry 
Holton, of Ohio; Sarah A. married Chauncey 
Jones, of Dana, 111. ; Mary Jane became the wife of 
.Samuel McCaughe}', of Mutual, Ohio; Susan, Mrs. 
Granville Smith, is a resident of the same place ; 
the next was George, our subject. Absalom Bane 
departed this life in 1864. His wife survived him 
sixteen years, dying in 1880. She was an estima- 
ble Christian lady, and a devoted member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

George Bane was reared in Champaign Count}', 
Ohio, and received his early education in the dis- 
trict schools of his native county. The school- 
house was at a long distance from his home, and he 
was eleven years old before he commenced attend- 
ance there, his first text-book being an elementary 
speller. He attended school three months each 
summer and winter until he was fourteen years old, 
and thereafter was engaged in the various duties 
around the homestead, being his father's right- 
hand man, following the plow and assisting in the 
other work. After he left school, however, he still 
pursued the stud}' of instructive books, .and taught 
school during the winter seasons, with the excep- 
tion of two years, up to 1871-72, his duties in this 
line embracing twenty years. He was possessed of 
a good amount of native talent, and kept himself 
well ])osted upon matters of general interest, and is 
now what might be called a self-made man, for the 
position which he holds in the community is the re- 
sult of his own worthy effort and his determination 
ts become a m.an among men. 

In 1872 the subject of our sketch crossed the 
Mississippi, and coming into Wapello County, loca- 
ted in Richland Township, where he was alternately 
engaged in farming and teaching for several years. 
Upon coming here his abilities were at once recog- 
nized, and after holding other important positions 
in the county, in the fall of 1883 he was nominated 
for County Treasurer on the Democratic ticket, be- 
ing elected after a hard-fought battle, and in 1885 
was re-elected. He has fulfilled the duties of his 
office in a creditable and satisfactory manner, and 
is highly respected in the cimimvmity. He lielongs a! I 
to the I. (). O. F., the principles of which order he 
throughly believes in and cheerfully supports. 

Mr. Bane was married in Urbana. Ohio, in ISGl, 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 




443 



I to Miss Rebecca .T. McCaughe}-, a native of Wasli- 
'; ington County, Pa. They liave ])eco]ne the par- 
■ ents of three children — William, Charles and 
! George A. 'Sir. B. is the owmer of a farm in High- 
; land Township, ivhich is finel}- located on sections 
i 21, 22 and 27, where are living his sons who carrj' 
; on the business connected therewith. 






'^ OHN C. FISHER, one of the most highly re- 
spected of the earliest pioneer settlers of the 
Mawkeye State, came into Wapello County 
in 1844, and has been a resident of the city 
of Ottumwa since 1855. He is a native of Wayne 
County, Ind., where he was born in 1817, and is 
the son of Richard and Elizabeth (Helphinstine) 
Fisher, natives respectivelj' of Delaware and Vir- 
ginia. His father was a farmer b}^ occupation, and 
our subject remained with his parents during his 
early years, and received a fair education in the 
common schools, common to the frontier settle- 
ments. When he was a child of one year old, his 
parents removed from his native State to Darke 
County, Ohio, remaining there until the fall of 
1829, and then moved into Hamilton County, Ind., 
near "Strawtown." being early settlers of that 
locality. Here Richard Fisher opened up a farm 
from a tract of unimproved land, and remained 
there with his familj- until the fall of 1831. He 
then removed to Tippecanoe County, same State, 
and repeated his former experiment of developing 
a new farm out of the wilderness. They only re- 
mained there, however, until the following year, re- 
moving thence to Parke Countj', and from there 
went over into Illinois and settled in Fulton 
County, making it their home until the spring of 
1841. The father of the familj^ then determined 
to cross the Mississippi, and made his first settle- 
ment in Jeflferson County, Iowa, upon a tract of 
rented land, upon which they remained until pur- 
chasing the present homestead in Wapello Countj', 
coming into possession of it on the 1st of January, 
1844. This was located on section 12, in Center 
Township. The land was uncultivated, and it re- 



quired incessant labor for a number of yeaj-s to 
bring it to a profitable condition. 

Richard Fisher departed this life Aug. 29, 1864. 
at the ripe old age of seventy-seven years. He 
was a farmer by occupation, public-spirited and 
liberal, and was always willing to contribute of his 
time and means to promote any worthy enterprise. 
He was one of the first Justices of the Peace in this 
count}' and possessed a wise discretion in matters 
connected with his office. When a young man he 
was a great traveler, and frequentlj' went over the 
Alleghanies in the early times, on horseback. The 
faithful wife and mother survived her husband for 
a period of fifteen years, and died Aug. 16, 1879, 
aged nearly eighty-four years, and, like him, was 
connected with the Catholic Church. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject, Peter 
Helphinstine, kept the White House tavern in Vir- 
ginia, near Winchester, and often entertained Gens. 
Washington and Jackson while they were on their 
way to and from Washington, D. C. He was a 
soldier in the War of 1812, and received a land 
grant from the Government through Harrison be- 
fore he was elected President. At that time land 
was almost worthless in Ohio. 

The subject of our sketch remained with his par- 
ents until 1 848, when he opened up a farm of his 
own, and on the 29th of June, 1854, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, a na- 
tive of Champaign Count}', Ohio, and the daugh- 
ter of William and Rue}' (Pierce) Lewis, natives 
respectively of Benton County, Ky., and Ohio. 
He was already the possessor of an improved farm, 
located on section 1 of Center Township, and im- 
mediately after his marriage removed to it, where 
the young couple commenced the joint business of 
housekeeping and farming. They resided upon 
this place for a period of about one year, when Mr. 
Fisher decided to abandon agricultural pursuits 
and remove to town. They became residents of 
Ottumwa on the 25th of August, 1855. Mr. Fisher 
erected a frame residence at the intersection of 
West Fifth and Washington streets, and since then 
has built a two-story brick which he now occupies. 
In the spring of 1856 he was elected Justice of the 
Peace, which position he resigned in a short time, 
and was then appointed Deputy Sheriff, serving 



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over two j'ears. He was appointed Postmaster by 
President Buchanan. Init was also compelled to re- 
sign thi.s office after a short time on .account of ill- 
health. 

Mr. Fisher and liis wife .-ire connected witli the 
Catholic Churcii, and are well and widely known 
throughout this community as being genial and 
pleasant people. They enjoj' an extended acquaint- 
ance among the |)eople of this vicinity, and num- 
ber among their warmest friends the most highl}' 
cultured people of Ottumwa. 

It is witli pleasure that we present in this con- 
nection the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Fisher. 



■•o*o.-@^.A^..o«o.- 



-■V 



^i^, APT. CHARLES C. CLOUTMAN, deceased, 
who lost his life while defending his country 
at the battle of Ft. Donelson, was a native 
of Conway, N. H., born June 10, 1824. There he 
spent his early life, and received his primary edu- 
cation in the common schools, afterward attending 
a select scliool, and altogether received a liberal 
education. At the age of twenty-two he came 
west to Uurlington, Iowa. While in his native 
town he had learned the trade of a blaclvsmitii in 
liis father's shop, but was not particularly fond of 
tliis employment, his natural tastes leading him 
into the siihere of the finer arts. He possessed 
great musical talent, and after coming to Burling- 
ton became identified with the first band of the 
city as its instructor, and during the winter seasons 
taught singing-school. In the meantime, however, 
lie established a bl.-iclvsmith-shop, and for a time 
was employed at his trade, but subsequently sold 
out the business and engaged in the grocery trade. 
The subject of our sketch was married in Bur- 
lington, this State, April 11, 1850, to Miss Rachel 
Scott, cousin of Gen. Winfield Scott, and a native 
of Switzerland County, Ind., born .Inly 30, 1830. 
She was a daughter of William and Lydia (Her) 
Scott, natives respectively of North t^arolina and 
Ohio. Tiiey then became residents of Ottumwa, 
where .Mr. Cloutman was interested in a plow fac- 
tory, wliicii he assisted in operating until tlie Re- 
bellion began to assume .alarming proportions, and 
then, laying aside personal and private interests, at 



RJ5 






once engaged himself in raising a companj- of in- 
fantry, which was named Company' K, and numbered 
as the 2d Iowa. Of this he was commissioned Cap- 
tain b^' Gov. Kirkwood, and they were at once sent 
to the front, and soon afterward participated in the 
siege of Ft. Donelson, where Capt. Cloutman was 
killed by a ball wiiich passed through his heart. 

Mr. W. S. Moore, a soldier in the same regiment, 
wrote of this sad event as follows: " Manj' surviv- 
ing members of the 2d Iowa Infantry will remem- 
ber the tall and manly figure of Capt. Charles C. 
Cloutman, of Company K. It was my pleasure to 
be well acquainted with him personally, and to en- 
joy and value his friendship. As early as 1854 I 
became acquainted with him as a citizen of Bur- 
lington, subsequently renewed my acquaintance 
with him at Ottumwa, and cultivated witli him a 
warm intimacy after the fortunes of war associated 
us together as members of the same regiment. 
Though I was but a private soldier and mj" friend 
a commander of the company, we frequentlj- met 
and conversed upon various matters, on terms of 
entire equality. Capt. Cloutman was a man of 
highly- cultivated intellect, and conscientious in his 
views upon all sulijects of vital concern. He was 
a patriot, true and steadfast. When .Sumter was 
fired upon he was Captain of a compan3- of militia 
in Ottumwa, and promptly telegraphed Gov. Kirk- 
wood a formal tender of his company for the serv- 
ice. Other men did the same, but it is plain that 
the telegram of Capt. Cloutman was tlie fiist re- 
ceived by the (Jovernorof Iowa. Sitting upon the 
guard of the boat on the evening before embarka- 
tion, the Captain drew his chair close to mine and 
engaged in conver.sation as to the prospects at Ft. 
Donelson. ■ W'liat' said he, ' do you think of the 
prospect.'" i replied briefly that I thought we 
would have the fight at Donelson, for which the 
boys had been spoiling for muntlis. • Yes,' rejoined 
the Captain, ' 1 realize the awful truth of that fact, 
and feel that many of us will not pass through the 
battle alive. 1 have a continual presentiment that 
I will be killed in the first battle I am in, and it 
has been to me a subject of serious thought for 
months. Indeed 1 have at times seriously medi- 
tated upon the question as to whether I had better 
resign and disgrace myself for the benefit of my 



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li;; familj', or go into the battle and be killed. I have 

lit considered the matter in all its bearings, and have 

i:iB chosen the latter alternative. I feel sure I will be 

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i;iP killed in the first battle and at the first Are from 

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1 pg the enemy's guns, and cannot resist the conviction. 

i|c "'Not being much of a believer in presentiments, 
i:C I was disposed to make light of the Captain's ap- 
ijg prehensions, and assured him that it was a hallu- 
1:6 cination, that'he was no more liable to be killed 
'Ig than I was, and that I had never allowed such 
}|S thoughts to enter my head. He finally admitted 
Jig that there was a remote possibility that his life 
1 S would be spared and his honor saved. ' If,' said 
|i* he, ' I have the good fortune to pass through the 
J;| Ft. Donelson battle alive, I will immediately there- 
{fjS after resign my commission and return home. I 
||E cling tenaciousl}' to life and am devotedly fond of 
Jija lay family; I am in poor circumstances financially. 
{i-j and if I survive this battle I will resign at once.' 
jj|c " After parting with my friend I gave the sub- 
\f^ ject of our conversation no special thought. We 
}:| continued upon our voj'age and the next day 
[•JE joined the investing force at Ft. Donelson. The 
[IS following day it fell to our lot to lead the great 
i^l charge which brought about the surrender of the 
{jja fort. When the firing had ceased, I was ap- 
i^E proached by Lieut. John E. Mobley, of Company 
*''■ K, an acquaintance of manj' years, who asked me 
if I had seen Lieut. JLastic. Being answered in the 
i(E negative, Mobley said, ' Capt, Cloutman is killed, 
ivj and 1 cannot find Mastic' Capt. Cloutman killed I 
i| The announcement filled me with horror as the cou- 
i victions of the Captain, expressed to me on the 
it boat, echoed through my brain. Killed in the first 
it battle, and at the first fire from the enemy's guns 
f as he had predicted! The reader is left to esti- 
]e mate the patriotism of the heroism, or the heroism 
^jB of the patriotism, which impels a man, while labor- 
's ing under the conviction of certain <leath, to march 
]i into the jaws of the grim monster." 
;,fi Capt. Cloutman was a man gi-eatly beloved b}' 
ic the soldiers under his command, as well as by the 
S community of which he had been a resident in Ot- 
ic tumwa. He left a widow and four children, one of 
whom, a son Frank, was killed while an employe 
R. R. Those surviving are. 



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m of the C, B. & Q. 

1 Jj: Ella, a music teacher ; Life, who is a ticket agent 



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at Ottumwa, and Charles C, employed in a freight 
office in Kansas City. Mrs. Cloutman is still liv- 
ing in Ottumwa, and is a lady fully deserving of 
the universal sympathy which is extended her by 
many of the citizens of Ottumwa, in consideration 
of her great afflictions. 

Capt. Cloutman was the first officer from this 
vicinity who fell in battle. He was Democratic in 
politics and his name is prominently connected 
with the G. A. R. Post of Ottumwa. Cloutman 
Post is named in honor of the Captain. 



4^'&^-^ 



Vf^^ L. LATHROP, M. D., a prominent and suc- 
fe) cessful phj'siciau of Ottumwa, claims as his 
Iv-^ birthplace Madison County, N. Y., where he 
first opened his eyes to the light on the 19th of 
September, 1844. He is descended from an old 
and excellent family, his father being Rev. Samuel 
G. Lathrop, a man of more than ordinary ability, 
and his mother, Cynthia (Clary) Lathrop, de- 
scended from relatives of Henry Clary, who were 
prominently and favorably known in that section. 
When a lad of thirteen years old Dr. Lathrop 
went with his parents to Chicago, 111., where they 
located and where his primary education was sup- 
plemented by attendance at the High Schools of 
that city. He afterward spent two years at Rock 
River Seminary, and at the age of sixteen com- 
menced reading medicine in the office of Dr. W. 
W. Winn, at Dixon, 111., where he gained great 
proficiency, bat was refused a diploma on account of 
his minority. He then, in 1«02, went to Chicago, 
in the office of N. S. Davis, and attended two 
courses of lectures, but there also was refused a dip- 
loma on account of his age. In the meantime, 
however, the Civil War was in progress, and on the 
8th of October, 1864, he enlisted as a soldier in the 
12th Illinois Cavalr}-. He received an honorable 
discharge from this regiment the following month, 
in order to accept a commission as Assistant Sur- 
geon of the 10th Illinois Cavalry, with which regi- 
ment he remained until the close of the war, and was 
but two months past twenty years old when he as- 
sumed the post of Assistant Surgeon. He was mus- 



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446 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



1 



tered out at San Antonio, Tex., and dischai-'je'l in 
January of the following ye.ir. 

After returning from tlie army Dr. Ivathrop en- 
Ij^ tered upon the practice of his profession for a short 
HH time at .loliet, thence went to Chicago to attend 
a course of stuily at the Rush Medical College, 
from which he received his diploma with honors, in 
l.sij.s. Three years thereafter he came to Ottumwa, 
and since 1S71 has |)r:icticed his profession contin- 
uoush' and with success, llis genial disposition 
and warm, generous temperament have jjroved an 
jH;; II irresistible attraction to a large circle of friends 
and patrons, and he now occupies an enviable posi- 
tion among his brethren of the profession in this 
locality. 

The marriage of Dr. Lathroj) with Miss Emma 
Hedrick was celebrated in Ottumwa, in 1872. Mrs. 
L. is a daughter of John W. Hedrick, a highly es- 
teemed citizen of this county, and is an educated 
and accomplished lady. Of her union with our 
subject there has been one child, Edward H., born 
Oct. 7, 1S7(J. 

Dr. Lathrop is prominently connected with the 
U^^jjJ Des Moines Valley Medical Association of Iowa, 
P| H •iiifl is :v member of the G. A. R., being .at present 
.wJU, Surgeon of C. C. Cloutman Post. In 1877 he was 
commissioned Surgeon of the Fifth National (iuards 
of Iowa. 

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M( KHCIINIE, M. 1)., of Ottumwa, is a 
j}J licentiate of the Royal College of Ph.ysiciaus 
fe of Edinburgh, and a licentiate of the 
jjll Facult\- of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, 
PJl .Scotland. He is also a graduate in medicine of 
Toronto and Victoria Universities, Canada, and a 
member of the College of Physici.ans and Surgeons 
of Ontario. Dr. McKechnie was born in Lanark- 
shire, Scotland, July :il, 1857, and is the sou of 
Neil and Isabella (Henderson) McKechnie, natives 
of Arg^yleshire, Scotland. His father was engaged 
in the large iron manufactories of his native coun- 
try for upward of tiiirtj' years. In 1871- he emi- 
B grated to Canada with his family and engaged in 
farming. The Doctor, however, soon returned to 
Scotland to finish his professional studies, and re- 
mained there until the close of 1880, when he came 



back to Canada and settled near London, engaging 
in the active practice of his profession. In June, 
1 88fi. he came to this State and decided to locate 
in Ottumwa, wliere he at once entered upon active 
practice. The Doctor's medical education and his 
credentials from the best medical schools and col- 
leges of Great I5ritain alike entitle him to the re- 
spect of his medical confreres and the confidence 
f)f the general pulilic 

Dr. McKechnie was married near J^ondon, Can- 
ada, to Miss Sarah Shoff, who was bcnii in Canada, 
March 14, 18,o6. Of this union <>ne child has been 
born, Menie, June 8. 1X84. 



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W. MOORE. Among the representative 
farmers and stock-raisers of \\'apello County, 
!^^! the gentleman of whom we write the fol- 
lowing brief personal sketch is prominently identi- 
fied. He resides on his excellent farm on sectiou 
1 8, of Competine Township, where he is surrounded 
by all the necessaries and comforts of life. He is 
the son of James and Eliza (Waymau) Moore, the 
foNuer a native of Tennessee, where he was born 
about the year 1802, and the latter of Indiana, 
where her birth took place in 1803. She was the 
daughter of Emanuel Waymau, a native of En- 
gland, who came to this country when he was about 
twenty j'ears of age. 

When James Moore was a lad of fourteen he 
moved with his family into Indiana, where he met 
and married Miss Wayman. They had a family of 
nine children, four of whom were sons. The 
children bore the following names: Mary, who 
died in infancy; E. W'., our subject, was born Aug. 
31, 182<;, in Clark County, Ind.; Mary A., born in 
1828, is the wife of W. H. Ring, a farmer of 
Sullivan County, Ind.: W. II. w.as born in 1830, in 
Clark County, Ind., and is now a farmer of Clark 
County, 111.: Nancy M. was born in 1832, and is 
the wife of Jesse Willis, a resident of EtHnghain 
County, 111.; Ann M., the wife of Gideon Lash- 
brook, was born in 1835, and they are farmers in 
Ralls Count3', Mo.; Reason was born in 1837, and 
is now living in Jackson County, Ind.; Margaret 




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E., who was born in l!-i39, is the wife of S. Schoon- 
over and resides in Louisville, Ky. ; John W. was 
born in 1»41. and is a resident of Etlingham 
County, 111., where he is engaged in farming. 

The early years of Mr. Moore's life were spent 
with his parents on a farm. In 1S40 he enlisted in 
the 2d Indiana Infantry, under Col. William A. 
Bowls, to serve in the Mexican War. He was in 
the battle of Buena Vista, and after a service of 
one year was discharged at New Orleans. He then 
returned to hi.s home in Indiana, and March 27, 
18;jl, was married to Miss Clorinda K. Wells. 
This lady is a daughter of James and ISusan M. 
(Thompson) Wells, botii of whom were natives of 
Indiana. The father was born ;March 15, 1806, 
and died in 1874, in Labette County, Kan.; the 
mother was born JNIay 20, 1814, and died in l.s7l), 
her remains being interred in Diekins Cemetery, 
this county. Mrs. Moore is the third <>i a family 
of eleven children, six of whom, two daughters and 
four sons, are now living — ,S;u'ali, born May 12, 
1831; Clarissa W., June 7, lSo2 ; Clorinda, Feb. 
2(3, 1.S35; Reason K.. May . 'SO, 1837 ; William T., 
Nov. 8, 1839; Laura A., July 3, 1842: Emma H., 
Jan. 4, 1845; Joshua T., Aug. '.), 1M47: .lames H.. 
April 17, 1850; Francis M., March 14, 1853; 
Harriet M., June 22, 185(1. 

Our subject came to this county in 187.'!. bu\-ing 
200 acres of raw land, and immediately began its 
improvement, and has been st) prospered that 
to-day he is surrounded by all the comforts of life. 
To himself and wife have been born a family of 
ten children, equallj' divided between sons and 
daughters. Eliza M., the eldest, born May 7, 

1852, is the widow of Peter H. Bottorff, who died 
Oct. 17, 1885, and is buried in Silver Creek Ceme- 
tery, Clark County, Ind.; Sarah .1., born Nov. 9, 

1853, died Aug. 1, 1854; James W.. born March 
14, 1855, is a farmer on section 1<S. Competine 
Township; Rella Z., who is the wife of William E. 
Mowrey, was born Aug. 8, l.s57; Mr. M. is now 
attending medical lectures in Cincinnati; Mary A., 
born Aug. 3, 1859, died April 1-5, 1869; George 
E., born Ma}' 13. l.S()4, is a farmer living on sec- 
tion 19, Competine Township; John II., born Dec. 
21, 18(i7, is now attending' school at Ottumwa; 
Laura M. was born June 23, ].s72, and died .May 



27, 1876; Calvin T., born Dec. 8, 1874, died Dec. 
26 of the same year; Charles H., born Jan. 25, 
1878. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the 
Baptist Church, and politicallj' he is a Republican. 
He has been prominently identified in all worthy 
enterprises of his community, and has held several 
offices of the township. He is a member of the 
1. O. O. F. and is regarded as one of the solid men 
of his community. A lithographic view of his 
residence is shown on another page of this work. 



Wj M. ELDER, a prosperous farmer_of Wapello 
County, owns and occupies a fine homestead 
in Highland Township, pleasantly located on 
section 1 3. He is a native of Decatur 
County, Ind., and was born in 1845. His parents 
were William M. and Sar.ah (Sellers) Elder, natives 
of Kentucky. 

Mr. Elder came to Wapello County in l>i70, and 
for three years rented land and carried on agricult- 
ure in Highland Township. He then purchased a 
tract of eighty acres, on section 4, which he occu- 
pied for eight years and then sold. In 1881 he 
purchased 1 1 5 acres on section 1 3, where he per- 
manently established himself, and since that time 
has been industriously engaged in the improvement 
and cultivation of his property. He has been 
prominentl}' connected with the affairs of this 
county since coming here, has served as Assessor 
for live terms, and held the ottice of Justice of the 
Peace. 

Mr. Elder was married, in I^i67, to Miss Lydia 
Pratt, a native of his own county, and the daugh- 
ter of Vactor and Valeria (Baldwin) Pratt. They 
have become the i)arents of two children — Louis 
and ^'aleria L. 

During the progress of tlie late war, Mr. Elder 
enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. H, 5th Ind. 
\'ol. Cav., and served nearly two years. He went 
all through the Atlanta campaign, and was with 
Stoneman's raid, in July, 1X64, where he was 
captured and taken to Andersonville prison, being 
a prisoner four months and ten days. After hi> 
release lie rejoined his regiment, and put in mo>t 



mm 



D :i 





448 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 




of his time afterward hunting the Biisii whackers. 
He is Republican in politics. 

William M. Elder, the father i if our suliject, was 
of Irish de.scent, and a farmer hy occupation. He 
departed this life in the spring of \f>~i), at the ripe 
old age of seveutj'-four years. His wife, Mrs. 
Sarah S. Elder, died in 1855, when the subject of 
our sketch was a small boy. The father of IMrs. 
Elder is still living, upon a farm in Highland 
Township. 

MMI D. WHIPPLE, who departed this life 
wO\ in Ottumwa, Oct. 1 (5,; 1864, was one of the 
earlj' pioneers of the Hawkeye State. He 
(^J was a native of Warren Count}', N. Y., 

and was born July 16, 1805. He grew to manhood 
in his native county, receiving a common-school 
%^ education, and was there married, in 1831, to Miss 
U vl Sylvina Marsh, a native of Pennsylvania, born 
W^ about the year 1810. They remained in New York 
i* li until 1S45, when Mr. W. started West with his 
[ ^0'i family, crossing the Mississippi and coming into 
R) R| Wapello County, their first stopping-place being at 
wliat is now kn(jwn as the Old Garrison. Here Mr. 
Whipple purchased a small tract of land where the 
( pork house now stands, and at once engaged in its 
cultivation and improvement. He only remained 
here, however, until 185s. when be removed to 
Keokuk Township and engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness, felling the trees, sawing them, and disposing 
of the lumber thus manufactured to builders. The 
same year he purchased a small farm, whicli he oper- 
ated in connection with his lumber trade, and from 
the two received a comfortable income. 

In the meantime Mr. Whipple had experienced 
his joys and sorrows. Six children had been born 
to the household, who were left motherless in 1849, 
his wife departing from the scenes of eartii in that 
year. Of these, three are now living: Catharine, 
who became the wife of W. E. Jones; Mary, the 
wife of John M. Jones, deceased, and Joseph, of 
(Juthrie County, Iowa. 

During the existence of the Whig party Mr. 
Whipple was numbered among its ndherents, but 
upon the aljundonmenl of the old by the organiza- 




tion of the new Republican [larty, he cordially in- 
dorsed the princiijles of the latter, and uniformly 
cast his vote to uphold its principles. Although his 
early education was limited, he was a man keenly 
observant of what was going on around him and 
took an active interest in public matters generallj-, 
being especially interested in the welfare of his own 
comity and community. He w:is well posted in 
local and general history, and an interesting man 
to converse with. Although not connected with 
any religious denomination he contributed liber- 
ally to objects of cliaritj', was strictly honest and 
honorable in his business transactions, and hy his 
upright life secured the highest respect and esteem 
of his associates and the community at large. His 
name is kindly rememliered by a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances, who name him as an ex- 
ample worthj' of imitation by the rising generation. 

T. ON'ERMAN, an esteemed citizen of 
Ottumwa, is a native of Wayne County, 
Ind., his birth taking place in 18134. He is 
the son of Reuben and Jane (Sj)encer) 
Overman, natives respectively of North Carolina 
and Virginia. They removed to Indiana at an earlj' 
period in its histor}' and engaged in farming pur- 
suits. The subject of our sketch remained with 
his parents during his childhood, and in 1846 with 
them crossed the Father of \Vaters and came into 
Iowa the same year in which it was admitted as a 
State into the Union. They located in Wapello 
County, settling in Center Township on section 23, 
and inirchased a claim of unimproved land, which 
they brought to a good state of cultivatiun. and 
there established a comf<irtable home. 

Mr. Overman was married in lSo6, to Miss Mary 
M. Young, a native of Ohio, and the daughter of 
Benjamin Young, of the same State. They became 
the parents nf four children, as fcillnws: Alfred 
B. died in liS.Jt), at the age of two years; Harriet 
E. became the wife of F. Michael, and lives in F^ni- 
pi iria, Kan. ; K va died in 1 s.si , at the age of twenty- 
two years; Rubin B. died in l.S(;4, when a child. 

Mr. Overman has been prominent in the affairs 
of his ( oiiiniuuilv. having been one year on the 








EKHl 






S2SS 







WAPELLO COUNTY. 



449 



jC police force of Ottumwa, and was elected Ci instable 
% in the fall of ISSG. After coming to this city he 
learned the trade of plastering, at which he wurked 
for ten years. In l.S(J4 he took an overland triji 
to California, and foi' three years was engaged in 
the mining regions of the (iolden State, meeting 
with fair success. He letnrned home in 1871, and 
since that time, in addititin to other pursuits, has 
lieen cultivating a little farm of thirt^y acres near 

jl'^ the cit3' of Ottumwa, and quite agrees with Hor- 
ace Greeley in regard to having a small tract and 
giving it thorough attention. The wife of our 

ij^ subject is prominently connected with the Meth- 

ijS odist Episcopal Church, and politicall^y Mr. (). uni- 
formly casts his vote with the Democratic party. 

The father of our sidiject was a stildicr in the 
War of 1812, .and departed this life in 1 S4.j ; the 

}^ motiier survived for twelve 3'ears, dying in 1857. 

M"* They were both connected with the Society of 
Friends, and were most excellent aii<l worth3- peo- 
ple, enjoying the resi)ect and esteem of the com- 
munity in which they lived. 

.A,_^^^i^ „ *^"*. <z>-c^-» .Mi«-<i> 



LONSON BULL COMSTOCK, now resid- 
ing in the southwest part of Richland 
Township, was born in Franklin County, 
Ohio, near Columbus, on the 1st day of 
March, 1818. When about six years old his father 
moved to Hamilton County, the same State, to the 
village of New Haven, which was the precinct or 
voting place for Crosb.y Township, where our snb- 
ject lived until his thirteenth year, when his father 
sent him and his younger brother, Hiram, to Au- 
gusta College, Kentucky, where he remained for 
about four years, or until the spring of 1834, when 
: he returned and began reading medicine in his 
father's office, .and so continued until the spring of 
1837, when he came to Iowa, at that time a Terri- 
tory. He came to what is now Van Buren Count}', 
] in April, 1837, and in the fall of that year located 
il; at Benton's Post and began the practice of his ])io- 
fession. 

Ou the 17th day of .lune, 18;)S, our suljji'ct mar- 
• ried Sarah Ann .Sullivan, and continued to reside 
jjs in the same county, at several different places, until 




the spring of 1843, when he came to his present lo- 
cation, where he continued to reside, eng.aged in 
practice in connection with his farm, until 18(;.'), 
when his hearing became so much impaiied that he 
quit the pr.actice, and has since devoted his time to 
farming, stock-raising, etc. He now owns about 
.520 acres of land, most of which he has undei' cul- 
tivati<')n. 

Mr. Comstock never took much interest in politi- 
cal affaiis, never seeking office, lint was, on a non- 
partisan vote, elected to represent Wapello County, 
in 184t!, in the first Legislature of the State of 
Iowa, he being a A\hig. The election in 1848, 
party lines being drawn, showed the count}' to be 
Democratic by a large majority. 

Dr. .James and Chloe (Bull) Comstock, i)arents of 
our subject, were both natives of Vermont, being- 
born near Bennington. His ancestors on his father's 
side were originally from Scotland, and on his 
mother's side from England. His wife, Sarah Ann 
Sullivan, was born July 2, 1821, on the north side 
of the Des Moines River, about half way between 
Sweet Home and .St. Francisville (which are on 
the opposite side of the river in Missouri, which is 
now in Lee County, Iowa), and it is claimed was the 
first white child b<jrn in what is now the State of 
Iowa. Her father, Giles O. Sullivan, was born in 
Kentucky, of Irish descent. Her mother, whose 
maiden name was Letisha Taue Tolbert, was of 
Scotch descent. Giles O, Sullivan was a nephew of 
John Sullivan, who located the northern boundaiy 
of the State of Missouri, which was the cause of a 
very hot dispute, and in 1839 came near ending in 
war between the State of Missouri and Territory of 
Iowa. Mrs. Comstock remembers a great many in- 
cidents that occurred during the Black Hawk War, 
the place of her nativity being near the scene of 
conflict. The settlers had a block house at Sweet 
Home, and her father was an indeix'ndent scout 
under Gen. Dodge. father of one of Iowa's old and 
much beloved ex-Senators, A. C. Dodge. Mrs. C. 
is the only surviving member of her father's fam- 
ily. 

Dr. and Mrs. C. have had twelve children born 
to them, five onl}' now living: F. J. Comstock. 
born Nov. 21, 1839; J. H., Dec. 1, 1841 ; Chloe J., 
now Mrs. Shields. Oct. 2.i, 1843; Frances M., now 






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450 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 




Mrs. Williams, March 24. 18.10, and Sally Ann, 
now Mrs. Aberiiathy, .Iul3- 27, 1 «.">'.). The two 
sons served the full term in the late Civil War. Dr. 
Comstock is independent both in politics and relig- 
ion. 

--» *^ — 



X. BARKER, a highly respected citizen of 
Wapello County', resides on the old home- 
stead of his mother, two miles east (.)f Kirk- 
ville, where he is carrj'ing on agricultural 
pursuits in an intelligent and successful manner, 
and, besides the ordinary pursuits of farming, is 
giving much attention to raising stock for the mar- 
kets. He has been a resident of this county since 
his boyhood, and has fully established himself in 
the esteem and confidence of his conimnuity. Air. 
Barker was born Dee. 20, 1839, and is the sou of 
James and Anna D. Barker, the former born March i 
27, 1801, and the latter on the 21st day of April, 
l.sdG. She was the oldest daughter of George 
Lues, who emigrated from Germany in 1787. The 
Lues family possessed in a remarkable degree the 
excellent traits of the substantial German character, 
of which Mrs. Barker inherited her full share. She 
received a careful parental training and a fair edu- 
cation in her native State, and remained there, 
making her home with her parents, until her mar- 
riage to James Barkci-. which occurred in 1824. 
Fourteen \-ears later they removed northwest to 
Indiana, and in 1848, the husband, after a long and 
wear^' illness, died of consumption, and left the 
mother of our subject with nine children, and in 
very limited circumstances, having barely enough 
to enable her to keep her family together; but she 
fortunately, b^- her excellent personal traits, had 
gathered around her a circle of friends and ac- 
quaintances who proved of great assistance and 
comfort in her time of need. These mostly be- 
longed to the Society of Friends, or (.Quakers. 

Mrs. Barker had reared her boys to habits of in- 
dustry, so that labor was no hardship for them ; 
and the mother had alwa^'s practiced close econ- 
omy, notwithstanding that she was generous aluu)st 
to a fault. With the :issistance of the boys, who 
woi'ked industriously al whatever tliey could tind 




to do, and saved their earnings, Mrs. Barker, in ^, 
the course of time, was enabled to purchase a home Sj 
in Iowa. While in Indiana they had cultivated a| 
rented laud, and in 1852 they crossed the Missis- 
sippi and settled in this county. In the meantime 
her eklest son had been removed by death, which 
was a sore aHliction to the widowed mother, 
and interfered greatly with her plans for the fu- 
ture. But with that courage and resolution which 
was one of her chief characteristics, she braveij' re- Sjii 
covered from the blow, and prepared herself for 
the duties of the future. They started overland 
from Indiana to Iowa, and, after a journej" of 
twenty days with ox-teams, arrived in this county 
on the 10th of October. 1852, and were welcomed 
at the house of an old friend, Joshua Marshall. 

As soon as convenient Mrs. B. rented a house in 
Kirkville, which belonged to John II. Carver, into ajji 
which she removed with her family for the winter, ih 
In the meantime she and her sons set about the pi 

erection of a frame house on the farm which she 5il 

5 1 
had purchased, and which was completed by April :4i 

of the following year. This consisted of four *;i 
rooms, and stood out in the middle of the prairie, sJi 
and here Mrs. Barker and her l)oys commenced the 'sii 
improvement and cultivation of the farm. The sii 
first work done was to build fences, and put up a 
barn and pig-pen, and for this the boys were 
obliged to haul the rails and timber five miles. 
They also did hauling for the neighbors, and the 
nearest point of timber was two miles away. This 
was accomplished with ox-teams, as \vas also the 
breaking of the prairie. The\- put up what were 
called '• stake and rider " fences, and these were re- 
quired to be made seven rails high, with double 
riders. This invoivetl a vast amount of labor, but 
it made sturdy men of Mrs. Barker's boj's, and 
fitted them for the later dutic^ of life. The mother 
and chiklren were prospered in their labors, and it 
was not long before they were established in a 
comfortable home, where they enjoyed all the 
necessaries and many of the luxuries of life. As 
one b}' one the boys attained their majority they S-- 
passed out from under the parental roof, and when 9i} 
the war broke out, in 18G1. Mrs. Barker was left pj 
with only one son at lionu'. Daniel L. was married 2J:j 
and living in Kiiiggold Coinit}", this .State, and he :':| 

______ 5^^ 



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AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



now enlisted in the 29th Iowa Infantry, as also did 
William I. and Joshua H. William lost his life on 
the field of Mark's Mills, as did many others as 
brave men as ever marched to the front. J. N., 
our subject, had the management of the homestead, 
and Mrs. Barker lived with him until her death, 
which occurred on the 21st of April, 1876, when 
she had arrived at the age of seventy years. She 
was a devout Christian, and left behind her a 
record of womanly virtues and kindly deeds. From 
early childhowl she had been a member of the 
Baptist Church, with which she was connected un- 
til her removal to Iowa. 

J. N. Barker was united in marriage with Miss 
Rachel J. Stout, Nov. 29, l.sOO. Mrs. Barker was 
born in Parke County, Ind., in 1842, and is the 
daughter of Charles iStout. Of the union of our 
subject and his wife there have been born eight 
children : The eldest, a boy, died in infancj' ; Josie 
became the wife of Gus G. Griffith, an attorney' at 
law, who is engaged in the practice of his profes- 
sion in Little Rock, Ark.; Ida was married to 
Stephen Buckner, of this county ; the remaining 
five children — Stella, Cora, Fred W., and Nelson 
and Nellie (twins) — are at home. 

The homestead of Mr. Barker consists of 200 
acres of finely improved land, and the estate is 
supplied with all the appliances for carrying on ag- 
ricultural pursuits after the most modern and im- 
proved methods. In 1881 our subject concluded 
to abandon farming, and accordingl3- leased the 
place for five years and moved to town. After 
five months' residence in the city he paid his tenant 
1650 to let him have his farm back, and returned 
to it, satisfied that the country, for him at least, 
was the best place in which to live. 

The early education of Mr. Barker was neces- 
sarily quite limited, but he kept his eyes open to 
what was going on in the world, and pursued a 
course of instructive reading as opportunity' af- 
forded, and consequently has been enabled to keep 
himself well posted in regard tv matters of general 
interest. During the first years of Ids residence 
in this vicinity he worked in the coal mines of 
Kirkville during the winter season and on the farm 
in summer, and consequently had but little time to 
spend in school, lie hiis been nnuukably success- 




ful in his stock operations, and feeds from forty 

to fifty cattle and from sixty tt) seventy-five hogs^^^i; 

each winter. He buys his cattle when about two |^|fi 

.years old, feeds them one year, and when rcad3' 

for market they yield him a hands()nie profit. hlsHBI! 

Mr. Barker has contributed his full quota toward i|| 
the building up of his commuuity, in that he has 
been the stanch friend of education, morality and 




religion. The whole family are regular attendants rjg^ 

of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have ci>u- ni ! n 

tributed liberally to its establishment and maiu- b ji 

tenance. Mr. Barker, politicallj', affiliates vvith the L n 

Democratic party, and uniformly casts his vote in n Jji 

support of its principles. He has fulfilled all his qi tu 

obligations as an honest man and a good citizen, ^ Jg 

and is held in the highest esteem by the community j^^ 

of which he has been a resident for over thirty j I 

years. A view of his place is shown on another | v 
page. 





ENRY WILSON, a prominent and respected 
resident of Ottumwa, was a pioneer of Wa- 
pello Countj", coming to this section at hu .riL-^ 



earl}' i)eriod in the history of the Ilawkeye hi n 
State, in the spring of 1849. Although the ad- jil p 
vance of civilization within the two or three years |fe^ 
preceding had been quite rapid, still it bore nu 'W I! 



Ill 



comparison with its present aspect, and Mr. Wilson, 
in common with his brother settlers of that day, 
has witnessed with pleasure and gratification the __ 
march of civilization which has so changed the k] ij 
face of the country in a period of over thirty-five ' 
years. 

The subject of this histor}^ is a native of llarri- 
rison County, Kj'., the date of his birth being Jan. 
9, 1822. He is the son of William and Charity 
(DeVour) Wilson, and when he was a lad nine years 
of age, his parents removed from Kentucky to 
Monroe County. Ind. There the father [lurchased 
a tract of timber land, from which he opened up a 
farm. After years of incessant industr}- and i)er- 
severance, the heavy timber gave place to culti- 
vated fields, and in due time a comfortable lionic- 
stead was established. Here ^oung Wilson \\.i~ 
reared and received his education in the snbs<ii|]- 
tion schools, which were carried on in log caliin- 



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COUNTY 




with puncheons for flooring, slabs for benches and 
desks, and greased ' paper foi- wind(i\v-i)aiies. He 
was also carefully trained to habits of industry, 
and in early years was instilled with those princi- 
ples of courage and resolution which served l]iin so 
well in the after battle of life. 

Mr. Wilson was married in Mimroe tdunty, Ind., 
in IH-il, to Miss Jane Farmer, a native of his own 
State, who had removed with her parents to the 
latter. Of their union there were born two sons, 
Pryor S. and AVilliam, who are both residents of 
this county. Kight years after his marriage, Mr. 
Wilson not being quite satisfied with his condition 
or his prospects in Indiana, resolved to cross the 
F'ather of Waters, and seek his fortune in the Hawk- 
eye State. They located first in Bimaparte, Van 
Kuren County, where they resided aliout eighteen 
months, and then, coming into this county, pur- 
chased a tract of land in Center Township, upon 
which stood a small caliin. and thirty acres of the 
land had lieen l)rokeu. Here they .settled down 
and determined to lay the foundation of a future , 
liome. Mr. AVilsou Mudbiswifc '•pulled together" 
in the lal)ors around the house and farm, and in 
due time were rewarded foi- their toil. As their 
means accumulated. Mi'. Wilson added to his first 
[lurcliasc, and finally' became the possessor of 400 
acres, most of which was improved by himself, 
with such assistance as he could secure. The log 
cabin finally gave place to a handsome farm resi- 
dence, and the rude pig-sty to a barn of goodlj- 
proportions, with all necessary out-buildings, farm 
implements, and the ,'ipi)liances of a first-class agri- 
eulturist. 

Upon the homestead thus established oiu' sub- 
ject and wife remained until IH7(), when he retired 
from active labor and removed into the cit}' of Ot- 
tumwa, where he is enjoying a comijetency, the re- 
} suit of his own industry and perseverance. 'I'he 
compaiuon of his earl\' inauluKxl. Mrs. .lane \\il- 
son, restetl from her earthly i.-diors in 1 f^Gfl. .s|ie 
was an amiable and highly respected lady, a sin- 
cere Christian, and a devote<I member of the Bap- 
tist Cliuieh. 11 may be fairly s.-iiil of her that, 
•• None named her but to praise," and she has left 
behind her a record of womanly virtues and kindly 
deeds. Mr. Wilson was the seeond time marrie<l. 



early period in the history of the Hawkeye State. 
He was a native of Trenton, N. ,)., his birth taking 
place Nov. 21), 1S12. He was reared in his native 
State, receiving a liberal education, and after hav- 
ing attained his majority went to Ohio and located 
in Delaware County. He there became acquainted 
with -Miss Amy Miller, who subsequently became 
his wife. Mrs. M. was the daughter of Christian 
Miller, who was born on the Delaware River in 1 777, 
and when a young man ninoved to the AVyoudng 
\allev. He was united in marriage with .Miss .Saiah 
Partridge, a native of Massachusetts, who was born 
Oct. lit, I7s2. Their wedding occurred in North- 
ampton County. Pa., in Isiki. and they became the 
parents of ten children, of whom the record is as 



to Mrs. Elizabeth Cox, the widow of AVilliam Cox. 
by whom she became the mother of one child, 
.James, who is familiarlj' known as .lames Wilson. 

Politically Mr. Wilson is a stanch Democrat, ;iiid 
cast his first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce. 
Although always having been a prominent man in 
his community, he has steadil}- declined to beconu' 
an office-holder, being more content with the peace- 
ful pursuits of his farm and the quiet life of a pri- 
vate citizen. At the time of his coming here Ot- 
tumwa was an humble hamlet, and he often com- 
pares the present city with its 1 2,000 inhabitants, 
to the little vill.age which greeted his eyes upon |^ 
his fli'st arrival west of the Mississii)pi. ||[ 

The parental family of our subject and the off- ai;} 
spring of William and Charity AVilson includcil ||} 



m 



eleven children, all of whom lived to mature years, % 
but of these, three only are now surviving, viz., 
Christopher .and AVilliam, of Chariton, Iowa, and 
Henry, our subject. The parents were connected 3 
with the l?ai>tist Church for man}- years, were 
straightforward and upright in their daily lives, a|, 
anil instilled into the minds of their children those Sp} 
principles which they had inade the rule of their 
own lives, and which constituted them highly re- 
spected and valued citizens. 

EAVIS MULFOKD, deceased, was an honored 
pioneer of Wapello County, crossing the 
Mississippi from far New England, at an 



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follows: Andrew, born .Inne 24, 1802, died Jan. 
2, 1880; Ennice, born Sept. 3, 1804, died about 
1878; Sarah, born Dec. 22. 180(5, is a resident of 
Kendall County, 111.; Mary, born June 15, 1809, 
died in 18-63; Elizabeth, born Oct. 3, 1811, resides 
near Ithaca, N. Y. ; Susan, born Feb. 18, 1813, 
died March 9, 1815; John, born M.iy 17, 1816, 
died April 14. 1817; Amy, born Feb. 5, 1!^18; 
Fi-ances, born March 13, 1821, is now deceased; 
Caroline, born Sept. 15, 1826, died in Washington, 
D. C. Mr. and Mrs. Miller died in the Wyoming- 
Valley in 1840 and 1877 respectively. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mulford were married in Delaware 
County, Ohio, April 30, 1840. They afterward re- 
moved to Morrow Count}', the same State, and in 
1855 resolved to seek the country beyond the Miss- 
issippi. They accordingly started out with teams 
and journeyed across the States of Indiana and Illi- 
nois, fording creeks, and making their way labor- 
iously over rough and uncertain roads. After 
crossing- the Father of Waters they came into Wa- 
pello County, and located in Green Township, on 
section 3, southwest of the present site of Ottumwa. 
Mr. M. purchased 160 acres of land, to which he 
subsequentlj' added and laid the foundations for 
the fine farm estate which became one of the at- 
tractive spots in the landscape of this section. His 
purchase consisted mainly of timber, and the clear- 
ing of this involved months and j-ears of inces- 
sant industr}-. Ottumwa, now a cit}' of 12,000 in- 
habitants, was then but a small village, and in the 
exchange which they received for their produce, 
there was but a small amount of hard cash. They 
were made of that stuff, however, which was not 
easily dismayed, and, in common with their brother 
settlers, had no thought of turning hack or aban- 
doning their first purpose of establishing a home 
bej'ond the Mississippi. In due time they received 
the reward of their labors in the picture of smiling 
fields and growing grain around them. 

Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. M. there were 
born seven children, four of whom are living, as 
follows : Harvey \\'ebb, born iu Delaware County, 
(Jhiii, Ai)ril 2, 1845, during the late Civil War en- 
listed in Co. D, 17th Iowa \'ol. Inf., on the 21st of 
Marcii, 1862. He proceeded with liis regiment to 
the scene i>f contlict. and at I lie liatllc nf Cham- 



pion Hills, which occurred on the 16th of May, 
1863, was mortally wounded, convej'ed to the hos- 
pital, and died six da3's later; Frances, born .March 

25, 1843, died in Ohio, April 17, 184«; Sarah H.. 
born Dec. 10, 1845, is the wife f)f Samuel Hollo- 
wa3', of Plattsmouth, Neb. ; Florence, born Sept. 

26, 1848, died October 1 1 of the same year; E^xira, 
born Dec. 24, 184!), is the wife of John Prosser, 
of Wapello County ; William DeBoise, born May 
9, 1853, is a resident of Seward, Neb.; Charles E., 
born Feb. 28, 1856, in Wapello County, is still n 
resident here. 

Lewis Mulford departed this life Feb. 7, ls7;i, 
at the age of sixty-one years. He was a sincere 
Christian and a devoted member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, honorable and upright in his 
dealings with his fellow-men, and possessed of ad- 
mirable traits of character. He contributed liber- 
ally and cheerfull}' to the support of his church, 
of which he was Steward, both in Ohio anfl after 
he came to this county. He was Republican in 
politics, and a stanch supporter of the Union cause, 
and although the loss "f his son was a most terril)le 
affliction to both himself and wife, Mr. M. felt 
that he had accomplished his whole duty liy this 
sacrifice of his affection. This son. Harvey W., 
had been married antl left one son, who was reared 
by his grandmother, Mrs. M., and bears the name 
of AValter Cook Mulford. The maiden name of 
his mother was Sarah Michaels. 

ijACTOR PRATT, a successful agriculturist 
f/ of Highland Township, was born in Boone 

'^' County, Ky., in LSI 7, and is the son of 
Avtemus and Naiicv (Parker) Pratt, natives re- 
spectively of New York and \irginia. the former 
being of Scotch-Irish descent and the latter des- 
cended from tlie English. 

The >ub3ect of our history remi>ved with his 
parents from his native State to Indiana, where he 
lived until 1H71. He then crossed the Mississippi 
and coming into Wapello County, settled in High- 
land Townshi|i, which has been his home since that 
time. He was niarrie<l iu 1 .s43. to Miss \aleria 
BaUlwin, a native of liidi:iiia and the daughter of 




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WAPELLO COUXTT. 



David Baldwin, who, by her union with our sub- 
ject, became the mother of seven children, brieflj' 
recorded as follows: Oliver C. served in the Uni<m 
army a few months and died in ISTl, at the age 
of twent3'-four years: Lydia A. is the wife of .1. M. 
Elder, of Highland Township: George U., of Cres- 
ton, Iowa, is engaged in railroading; Albert is a 
cattle-breeder of Montana: Alice, a twin, died in 
1«82, at the age of twenty-seven years; Rebecca .1. 
is the wife of Newton Baker, of C'omi)etine Town- 
ship; Henry II. is at home. 

The father of our subject died when the latter 
was an infant of thirteen months old; his mother 
survived her husliand nearly sixteen years. After 
the death of his mother, Mr. Pratt learned the 
tr.ade of a stone-cutter at (ireeusbnrg. Ind.. and 
was thus occupied for a iiuml)er of years, ami until 
the time of coming to Iowa, lie is an energetic 
and enter|)rising citizen, the friend of moralit_y and 
sobriety, and takes an intelligent interest in every- 
thing pertaining to -the welfare of his county and 
community'. Politically he is a Hei)ublican and 
uniformly votes in support of the i)rinciples of l)is 
party. 



A\'ll) II. KMKKY. Among the profes- 
I' sional men of Ottuniwa wiio have attained 




prominence in the practice of their pro- 
fession is David II. Kniery, now residing 
in this city. Mr. Emery was born in Fulton 
County, 111., Dec. 4, 18;i7, and is the son of F. \\'. 
and Hannah ((iaffney) Emery, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, who emigrated to Illinois in l.s;i;!. In the 
spring of 1838 F. \\ . Kniery removed to Stark 
County, 111., and there engaged in farming. He was 
a gentleman of considerable prominence and popu- 
larity, and held several oflices within the gift of the 
people. He was well read ;ind [jossessed of more 
than ordinary ability, and won the respect of those 
with whom he came in contact by his integrity and 
straigiitforward and manly dealings with his fellow- 
men. 

The i)arental family included fonrsons and one 
daughter: Amanda J. became the wife of .Samuel 
Pritchard, a resident of ^\■oodland, 111. ; Oliver P. 




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is living at Galva, that State, where he is engaged S; 

in the insurance business, and has held the office of E 

Justice of the Peace for many years, having been gj 

admitted to the bar in Charles City, biwa, in 18(;2; Et|i 

David H. is the subject of this notice; .lolui (i. is a j 

well-to-do farmer of Knox Count}, 111. : William 

E. was a soldier in the 42d Illinois Infantry and 5:1} 

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participated in all the battles in which his regiment gti 

engaged up to the battle of .Stone River, where he g[ } 

fell mortally wounded. The father of our subject 

departed this life in 1S4(J, and his widow married ;.fi 

her brothei-in-law, Henry Emery, in 18.0'.t. He g. 

died in 1878, and Mrs. Emery departed this life in ; i 

1884, aged seventy years; she was a member of the ; 

Christian Church. 

The subject of this notice was brought up to tlic ; }< 

calling of a farmer, and received his education in ; } 

the common schools, supplementing the same Ijy an ; ;.^ 

attendance of two terms at Aijingdon Colleye, ; f)^ 

after which he performed the duties of a pedagogue 3|;[J 

for some time. Mr. Emery commenced the study of :!;[} 

law at Toulon, .Stark Co., 111., in the spring of 1 8.5;). in 3;[J 

the otticeof Hon. Martin Shellenbarger,and remained E } 

under his instruction for eighteen months. He then :['} 

went to Montezuma, Iowa, where he entered the ollice : ;[[ 

of the late Hon. M. E. Cutts of that place, who has :'![; 

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held the office of Attorne3--General. Member 

Congress, and other prominent positions, and re 

ceived instruction from him. 

In February, l8(il, our subject was admitted to : v 

the bar at Montezuma, Iowa, with the privilege of 5 -r 

practicing in all the courts of the State. He did ■;\\ 

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not, nevertheless, immediately enter upon the J'; 

practice of his profession, for the following August p 

he enlisted in Co. F, 10th Iowa A'ol. Inf., which he p 

and Capt. Head had been instrumental in i-aising. | 

Mr. Emery was commi.ssioned First Lieutenant by § 

(iov. Kirkwood. and Albert Head, Captain. In ; 

the winter of 18(11 his company was sent to Ca[)e g 

Girardeau and from there to Bird's Point. They § 

participated in the campaign against Island No. af; 

U). and were then in the bloody battle of Ft. Pillow, g 

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after which they were ordered back, and arrivmg ;;i 

at Shiloh s«ion after that b.attle. they engaged in ail 

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the advance on Corinth. While neai- Corinth, and an 

prior to his being peruutled to participate in the " 

liattle, our subject was sent home on a recruit- : K 

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RESIDENCE OF W^. Gift, SEC.n.,GREENET0WNSHIP. 



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Residence OF Charles HARLEN,SEC.ie.,GREENETowN5Hip. 




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Residence of Geo.W. Manro, Sec. 6., Keokuk Townsh ip. 



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ing expedition. He remained there until tlie spring 
of lS(i3, wlien ho returned to his regiment, arriving 
in time to fight under the gallant old silent soldier 
at the battle of Jackson and Champion Hills. After 
this he [larticipated in the siege and cai)ture of 
Meksburg. He then went to Chattanooga, Tenn., 
by way of Memphis, wliere lie participated in the 
battle of Mission Ridge, and was there shot tin'ough 
the thigh by a niinie ball from the gun of the 
enera J'. After confinement in the h( ispital f( )r twenty 
days he was sent to Keokuk, and after treatment 
for a while returned to the army and received an 
honorable discharge Sept. '2H. 18(!4. 

On returning from the war, our subject located 
at Montezuma, Iowa, and entered upon the prac- 
tice of his profession. In l.sii.'j he was elected on 
the Republican ticket to the House of Representa- 
tives. In 1S70 he moved to Ottumwa. where he 
at once began the practice of law, and where he 
has continued to reside until the present, meeting 
with success in his practice. 

Mr. Emery was married in Oskaloosa, Iowa, May 
23, 1867, to Miss .Sarah C, daughter of Rev. B. 
Holland, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. She was born in Lee County, Iowa, Sept. 
15, 184(i, and their union has been productive of 
the birth of seven children — Roscoe, Wilbur, Ed- 
win H., Herbert, Alice A., Irving and Clara. Both 
our subject and wife are members of the First 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Ottumwa. 



AJ. S. K. CRAMER, a well-to-do farmer 
and stock-grower, and a gentleman whose 
¥ life has been passed in agricultural pur- 
suits, is pleasantly located on his exceed- 
ingly fine place on section 24, Agency Township. 
Mr. Cramer was born in Somerset County, Pa., 
Aug. 31, 1818, and is a son of Samuel and Rebecca 
(King) Cramer. Samuel Cramer. Sr., was born in 
jl'S York County, Pa., Nov. 12, 1777, and was of Ger- 
fi^r ^ man ancestry. He was a Captain in the War of 
K1;|m 1812, and a brave and noble officer. He was also 
"il : a gentleman of more than ordinary- popularity in 
^'l any and. all communities in which he lived, and 
r : held the olHees of County Treasurer and Collector 




of this county. He was married in 1708. to Re- 
becca King, of Somerset County, Pa. She was the 
daugliter of Michael King, a Methodist minister of 
considerable prominence, and of English ancestry. 
The Cramers were of German lineage. The union 
of Samuel Cramer, Sr., with Miss King, was blest by 
the birth of eleven children, our subject being the 
tentli. The remaining children are Eliza, John S., 
Mary A., Jose|)h, Hester A., .James, Martha, David 
P., Henry and Michael, all of whom are deceased 
except .lohn S. and David P. 

Our subject was married to Miss Hulda Frantz, 
March 22, 1843. She was born in Alleghany 
County, Md., March 23, 1823, and was the daugh- 
ter of .Tohu and Catherine Frantz. Of this union 
nine children were born : Leonidas B., .Ian. 22, 
1847; Licurgus L., Dec. 10, 1850; Kate L., April 
18, 1854; Brutus F., April 30, 1856; Augustus C, 
Feb. 10, 1858; Aniericus V., April 10, 1860; Cin- 
cinnatus C, March 12, 1862; Minnie D., Oct. 12, 
1865; Dora F., Oct. 11, 1868. Americus Y. met his 
death by being thrown from a spirited horse, while 
returning from a Sunday-shool picnic. He lay un- 
conscious for three days, and expired Sept. 10, 
1877, aged seventeen years and five months. Mrs. 
Huldah Cramer remained the faithful and loving 
wife of our subject until called to that better home, 
July 31, 1878. April 29, 1880, Mr. Cramer was 
again married, Mrs. N. E. Macky, widow of J. D. 
Maeky, being the other contracting party. She is 
the daughter of Solomon Frantz, and was born in 
Alleghany County, Md., March 5, 1840. Her father 
was of German and her mother of Irish ancestry. 
Mrs. Ch-anierhad three children by her former hus- 
band: Luc3- M.. \\'illiani IL, wht) died in infancy, 
and Jennie D. 

The subject of this notice was a volunteer in 
the 7th Regiment of the Canal Guards, which 
was uniformed and armed Vi^- the Government for 
the purpose of going into actual service against 
Great Britain, on the disputed boundary of the 
State of Maine. Mr. Cramer was chosen and 
elected Major of the 7th Pennsylvania Regiment; 
prior to this he was Orderlj^ Sergeant of Company 
C for four years. He was commissioned Major 
by (tov. Porter, of Pennsylvania, and served 
nearly four years, resigning his position on account 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



of removal from the State of Penn.sj'lvania to 
Iowa. This latter event took place in 1^*44, and 
sinee that time our .subject h.a.< continued to remain 
a resident of Wapello ('onnty. He is a gentleman 
of great poinilarity, and has been elected to the 
State Legislature from thi,< county, serving two 
terms. He was also nonuiiated for a third term, 
but declined to serve. He has also held the office 

President of the AVapello Agricultural Society. 

Mr. Cramer is the owner of 600 acres of good 
l;ind, on which he has a line brick dwelling, second 
to none in the count}'. He also has four barns on 
his place, and other necessary improvements, and has 
met with success in the prosecution of his voca- 
tion. He and his wife are members of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr. Cramer is 
a Republican. 

-»»-KH-<sij|( +:^^^ -1^ •«- 

W. (4RA\'ES, of Ottumwa, is one of the 
honored pioneers of Wapello County, hav- 
'■^ ing crossed the Mississippi and come into 
Iowa in l.s,5l. He is a native of Franklin 
County, Mass., and was born in 1807. He received 
careful parental training, jnirsued his primary stud- 
ies in the public schools of his native State, and 
remained with his parents until he attained the age 
of manhood. He was united in marriage with Miss 
Roxana D. Fuller, a native of the same .State, and 
iiis junior by nine years, her birth occurring in 
181G. They afterward removed to Connecticut, 
where they remained until coming West. After 
reaching Wapello County they located in Ottumwa, 
where Mr. Graves, iiaving previcjusly learned the 
trade t)f a woolen manufacturer, took charge of 
the woolen-mills of Hammond & Bowen, with 
whom he remained for several years. In the mean- 
time he met with a serious accident, which resulted 
in the loss of his arm, it having been caught in the 
machiner}- and torn off. After he abandoned his 
position with this firm he purchased a tract of 'and 
in Wapello County, and engaged in f.arming. 

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Graves consisted of 
five children, one of whom died in infa^it'y. The 
eldest son, H. H., is the senior partner of (t raves 
Bros., of Ottumwa, who are engaged in the manu- 





facture of cigars. He was born in Berkshire 
County, Mass., Aug. .'), 1840, and wa.s eleven years 
old when his parents came to Iowa. At the first 
threc-3-ears' call for troops to defend the Union he 
enlisted in Co. K, 2d Iowa Vol. Inf., and after 
participating in the battle of Ft. Donelson was dis- 
charged from the service on account of disability. 
The firm of which he is at present a member was 
established in 188(j. The other children are .Sarah 
E., the wife of II. W. Briggs, who resides at Find- 
lay, Ohio; F. .1., connected with the firm of Graves 
Bros., and Hmnin .!., the wife of D. F. Morey, of 
Ottumwa. 

Our esteemed subject and his wife have lived 
together in peace and harmony for a period of fifty 
years, and present in their lives a striking example 
of the noble results of high morality and integrity. 
Mrs. G. is a member in good standing of the Con- 
gregational Church, and our subject is a strong 
temperance advocate, being an active worker in the 
cause in this localitj'. In politics he is a stanch 
Republican, and has kept himself well posted on 
matters of general interest. He occupies a high 
position in his adopted county as embodying all 
that constitutes an honest man and a good citizen. 



-^-^1^- 




ISS ALICE M. STARK, M. D., a practicing 
physician of Ottumwa, is a lad}' of tine 
abilities, well read in her profession, and 
has built up for herself in this vicinity a 
large and increasing patronage. She is a native of 
Yp.silanti, Mich., whore she was reared and received 
her early education. She afterward entered the 
.State Normal School near her home, where she 
graduated, and afterward was engaged as a teacher 
for several years, her father being opposed to her §| 
studying medicine. .She finally, however, yielded 
to her own inclinations and entered upon a course 
of study in the office of Miss Ruth Gerry. In 18 
she entered the Medical Department of the State 
University, at Ann Arbor, and pursued her studies 
there until 1878. She then went to Boston, Mass., 
and spent six months in the hospital for women and §5} 
children, afterward returning to Ann Arbor, and 



rse ! ; 

<7li p. 




^h : 




/ ^r'.c^.d^g 



■ 



hsss^ 




AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



451 



gradnatiiig- in the class of l.s7'.). During that year 
she name to Iowa, and entered ujMjn tlie piaetiee of 
her profession in Ottnmwa, with leniarkahle suc- 
cess fi'om the start. She now has more business 
than she can conveniently attend to, frecjuently be- 
ing obliged to send patients elsewhere for the lack 
of time to give them i)roiier attention. 

Dr. .Stark is a close student, a lady of more than 
ordinary ability, and deserves great credit for the 
position which she now occupies, being tiie result of 
a love of learning and persevering indnstr>'. She 
stands high in her profession in this locality, ami has 
been admitted to membership in the county and 
Des Moines N'alley Medical and State Societies. 
.She is also a member of the American ^Aledical As- 
sociation, and has been intrusted with important 
offices in most of these. 

Miss Stark came to Ottumwa a perfect stranger, 
and secured the confidence of the people of this lo- 
cality simply upon her own merits. Her parents 
were John B. and Harriet (Aber) Stark, both na- 
tives of New York. The^' were greatly respected 
in the community where they resided, and her 
father during the greater part of his life, was en- 
gaged in farming pursuits. Mrs. Harriet Stai-k, the 
mother of our subject, departed this life at her 
home in Michigan, in 1883. Her father is still liv- 
ing. 




^ 



\flOSEVH LEIGHTON, deceased. Among 
the pioneers of 1843 was the subject of this 
sketch, a man who made his impress upon 
the time in which he lived, and who was 
well known to ever}- citizen of Wapello County. 
He was a native of Maine, born in Harmony, Jan. 
10. IslD. His early life was spent among the hills 
o( his native State, and doubtless their rugged na- 
ture was impressed upon his life. At least this is 
common among the people of every nation and 
clime, their surroundings having much to do with 
their character in life. The educational advan- 
tages enjoyed were those of the common schools of 
that earl\- da\-. but an active and observing life 



tended to give him a practical knowledge, which is 
even, better than that taught in books. Before 
reaching his majority, he learned the trade of a 
carpenter, which occupation he followed for some 
years. In 18;>7 he turned his face towai'd the set- 
ting sun, with the hojie that has actuated man}- 
j'oung men before liini, anil which will doubtlesSi 
control many more — that of liettering himself iiv 
life. Arriving in Manchester, III., he at once en- 
gaged at his tnide, contracting and building a 
number of residences in that place and vicinity. 

March I, ls3s, Mr. Lcighton was united in mar- 
riage with Mary L. Coe, of Manchester, a native of 
Greene County, III., born June 2:), 1821. Of this 
union there were six childre.n: AlvinC, born June 
2, 1839, is now engaged in the real-estate business 
in Ottumwa; Ann, born in 1842, died in 184(!; 
James, born in N(jveniber, 1844, died Dec. l.'i, 1882; 
Joseph, born Feb. I, 1848, is now engaged in the 
banking business at Miles City. M. T. ; Mary, bi>rn 
Oct. 9, 18.51 ; Abbie, Aug. 25, 18.54. 

The Territor}' of Iowa having been thrown open 
to emigration, Mr. Lcighton decided to make that 
his home, and in 1841 he moved to JDes Moines 
County and located in Dodgeville. But the loca- 
tion was only temporary. There was territoiy 
still farther West yet in possession of the Indians, 
but which it was hoped would soon be secured for 
settlement by the whites. With many otheis he 
had his eye fixed on the beautiful land, and when 
the treat}' was made in October, 1 842, by the Indi- 
ans, by which they ceded much territorj' to the 
(ieueral Government, agreeing to give possession 
Maj' 1, 1843, he was ready to enter in and take 
possession. On that day he staked a claim in what 
is now Competine Township, and at once erected a 
log cabin fourteen feet square, in which he moved 
his family an<i commenced the impr<jvement of his 
farm. 

The selection of a faiin being made, its improve- 
ment was not such an easy matter. Like thous- 
ands of others it took his all to get the promised 
laiul, and when here, there was no market for prod- 
uce, and yet it was necessary that a living should 
be made for himself and family. During the win- 
ter following he assisted in building Mulk's Mill, 
at Bonaparte, Van Buren County. While engaged 



i^^ 










4C0 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 







in thii- woik lie walked to mid from his hoiiu' i-at^li 
week, with his pack upon his back, as he had no 
means of conveyance. But the work was a bless- 
iiin- to him. as what lie secured for his services en- 
abled him to provide for his familj'. During the 
winter he set traps for prairie chickens, and was 
successful in capturing all they desired for their 
use. In this manner he managed to care for those 
he loved during the first few years of life in Wa- 
pello County. 

Being of a jovial disposition, it was easy for him 
to make friends, and in 1846 he was nominated 

[iggjj and elected to the oMice of Treasurer and Recorder 
of the county, being the first in this county. On 
his election he moved to Ottumwa. and lived for 
aliout two years in a little log cabin where the First 
.Methodist Episcopal Church now stands. He then 
moved into a more pretentious house on Main 
street, a sm.all brick building which yet stands, be- 

ip^ ing used as a laundrj'. On the expiration of his 
term of office, he was re-elected and served a sec- 
ond term. Shortly after retiring from office he 
ft>rmed a partnership with Dr. C. C. Warden in the 
dry-goods and grocery trade at Ottumwa. The 

ft] hi firm operated a branch store at Blakesburg, this 
- J^ county. The partnership continued about one 
3-ear, being then dissolved. Dr. Warden taking the 
Ottumwa store, and Mr. Leighton that in Blakes- 
burg. This business he continued only till the fall 
of 1853, when he sold (jut, and entered upon the 






H 



^rnfiT discharge of the duties of Justice of the Peace at 
} I Ottumwa, to which office he was then elected. 



iSoon after coming to Ottumwa, Mr. Leighton 
ij purchased a number of town lots, which proved a 
ill valuable investment, the rise in value after the 
huildiug of the 15. .t >L, now the C, B. cfe Q. R. 
ill^^j R., being so great as to make him a comfortable 



fi 1 fortune. But this he was not permitted long to 

*3 enjoj', death claiming him for his own. .Tune 26, 

I ll-!.')8. His widow yet survives him, and is living 

3 at Ottumwa, where she enjoys the love and respect 

f all who know her. 

In the death of Joseph Leighton, (Ottumwa lost 

^ a valuable citizen, a man who was ever ready to 

do his utmost to further its interests; the wife and 

children, a loving husliand and kind father. His 

many excellent traits of character endeared him to 




a host of friends, who, with the family, join in 5 
mourning his untimely death, while j'et in the a 
prime of life. § 



■ ^•■'*>:S'"vi5*'^^ 



* IMLLIAM 1 

\J// '•«*'^^e"t 
WS and durii 



IM 



BSt 
1 



r>lLLIAM H. CRIPS has been an honored 

of Wapello Countj- since 1849, = '1| 

•ing a period of nearly forty years : in 

has witnessed with interest 'and satisfaction the re- : u 

markable changes which have been going on in the ^ ni 

O OB 5 ^ 

Hawkeye State. He also, in common with his : S] 
brother pioneers of that period who came to Iowa ; aj 
while it was still new, contributed his quota to the 
general advancement of civilization by opening up 
his farm, encouraging industry and economy, and 
by setting a good example of sobriety and morality 
to the rising generation around him. 

The subject of this history is a native of Ross 
County, Ohio, and born May 12, 1818. He is 
the son of Henry and Mary (Clouser) Crips, na- 
tives of Pennsylvania, who removed from their na- 
tive State in 1816, soon after their marriage, and 
joined the pioneer settlers of Ross County, Ohio. 
There their son William was reared to manhood, 
received a fair education in the subscription a-A 
schools, and was trained to farming pursuits. :£i 
April 27, 1843, he was married to Miss Martha A., ~'n 
daughter of Enos Jones, a native of ^'irginia. 
Mrs. C. was born in the same county as her hus- 
band, and after their marriage they emigrated to 
Iowa and settled in Green Township, Wapello 
Countj", upon a tract of land on section 1. which 
constitutes the present homestead. The section 
where they located has since been attached to Cen- 
ter Township. It consists of ninety -eight acres, and 
from its original condition Mr. Crips has brought 
it to that of a finely cultivated estate, producing all 
the cereals and vegetables known to this section of 
coiintr3\ 

Prior to his marriage Mr. Crips had given much 
attention to music, having great love for the art 
and no smsiU degree of talent. He perfected him- 
self as a performer on the violincello under the in- 
struction of Prof. T. B. Mason, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 
and for two months thereafter was engaged as a 
teacher of both vocal and instrumental music. His 



n 



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M^'-' JJl, 



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1 u V|)XJ[iiriiJi>^J um i-J-iih i»ii?;5iJt^i: 




Ml 

H'E residence in Cincinnati was during the period of 

} > the Harrison campaign, and he remembers seeing 
}r| that popular General riding through the streets of 
}35 the cit,v. 

1 1)2 Mr. and Mrs. Crips liecanie the parents of ten 
} jjg children, as follows : James Henrj', who died when 
Jifi two years old ; Mar}- Hannah hecanie the wife of 
}|8 L. P. Michael, of Ottumwa; William S. is engaged 
I IE in the livery business in Ottumwa; Harlin P. is also 
IjS in the same citj- ; Enos J. is a locomotive engineer, 
lijp having his residence at Creston, Iowa; 'Joseph Ed- 
ward died in the city of Ottumwa at the age of 
twentj^-nine j'ears; Alice became the wife of George 
Z. Cowan, a farmer of Center Township; Simon P. 
is engaged in the livery business, at Ottumwa, with 
his brother; John O. is operating a lunch counter 
jfS at Chariton, Iowa; Edgar W. is living in Ottumwa- 



P 



(1 



Mr. and Mrs. C. are connected with the Congre- 
gational Church, and in the Sunday-school our sub- 
ject has been an active worker in this township for 
a number of j^ears. He is recognized as an able, 
efficient laborer in this important part of the Lord's 
work. He is a strong tempei-ance man, Republican 
in politics, and an energetic supporter <:)f everj- 
measure calculated to promote sobriety, morality 
and religion. 
1^. Henry Crips, the father of our subject, after a 
jlj useful and busy life, in 1868 ended his earthly la- 
bors, in Ross Count}', Ohio, at the advanced age of 
eighty-one years; the mother survived her husband 
and died in the same place when eighty-seven years 
s *jf ^ge. They were both devout Christians and 
■ ■^""»";"".-itly connected with the Presbyterian 
It affords the publishers of this Album 
J?,a pleasure to present the i)ortrait of so upright and 
j J honorable a citizen as one of the representative men 
! of Wapello County. 

ALISBURY EUGENE O'NEILL, M. 1)., 

one of the leading medical practitioners of 
Ottumwa, was born near Chambersburg, 
Franklin Co., Pa., Sept. 29, 1836, and is a 
: son of Charles O'Neill, who was born on the Emer- 
ald Isle. Charles O'Neill emigrated to the United 




syjB 



- :titxxixjixLjmximiimi 




States when twenty-four years of age, and located 
in the Cumberland Valley, Pa. There he married 
Miss Elizabeth Shormann, who was born in Adams 
Count}', that State. Their union was blest by the 
birth of seven children, five of whom are living at 
the present writing: Mary C. is the widow of Jacob 
Yost, and is living in the beautiful city of Dayton, 
Ohio; Elizabeth was united in marriage with John 
Albright, of Kokomo, Ind. ; S. E. is the subject of 
this notice; William S. resides at Dayton, Ohio, 
where he is engaged in the mercantile business; 
Jennie became the wife of Dr. Samuel Souders. The 
father of our subject was well posted in the affairs 
of county. State and nation, and became somewhat 
prominent for his forensic effort in debate. He 
died in 1846, and his wife survived him until 1873, 
when she passed to meet him on the other shore. 
They were both members of the Catholic Church. 

The subject of this notice was reared to man- 
hood in his native county. He was orphaned by 
the death of his father when ten years of age, and 
his mother being left with a large family on her 
hands, young O'Neill was obliged to work out to 
aid in the maintenance of the family. This he did 
for seven months, at a remuneration of §13.50, be- 
ing less than $2 per month. Returning home, dur- 
the winter, he worked for his board and attended 
the district schools, and later supplemented his ed- 
ucation by a course of study at Fayette Academy. 
Thus growing u\) into manhood and passing on in 
the rugged school of experience, he was prepared 
to meet every emergency with a steady and ready 
hand. We soon find him employed as a teacher in 
the district schools. He performed the duties of a 
pedagogue for three years. It is obvious that the 
Doctor himself must have fully availed himself of 
all privileges of instruction to which he found ac- 
cess, and a distinguishing characteristic of his is 
the possession of quickness of mind and talent. 
While teaching he had access to the library of Dr. 
George W. Smith, of Green Village, and afterward 
read medicine under the instruction of Dr. J. C. 
Richards, who was his firm friend, and did much 
to advance him in his professional studies. In 
1863-64 our subject attended lectures at Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia, after which he en- 
gaged in practicing, and continued in the same un- 




1 X3LXXZXHZHJJ^''T'm-rx-rrrjx 



iczxii 






VlrTTtlJTty^ 




irxirirxxTirrTfixrTi-iiTiTrrrixi'- Ci.-v:, - 



464 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



iJ^ 




If 




til 1871. In 1872 he went to Bellevne Hosjiital 
Medical College, where lie received his degree. 

In 1S72 Dr. O'Xeill went to Clinton County, 
Mo., and locating at i^atinop entered upon tiie 
practice of hi.s profession. Continuing at Latlu'op 
until IsTil. during wliicli time he had met witii 
success, lie moved to Carroilton, Carroll Co., M(j., 
and ill tlie si)ring of 1.S7;) came to this State and 
located at Ottumwa, where he has since been act- 
ively engaged in the practice of his profession. 
The Doctor is a member of the Des Moines A'alle^' 
Medical .Society, tlie Wapello County Medical 
Society and the American Medical Association, lie 
stands high in the scale of professional integrity, 
and has had many honors conferred upon him by 
ills professional brethren, of which he is justly 
proud. He is a favorite among the members of 
the Democratic party, and is Chairman of the 
Democratic County Central Committee. 

Dr. O'Neill was married in Franklin County, 
I'a., ill I s60, to Miss Maria Baney, a native of that 
county. Their union was blest by the birth of two 
children — Harry E. and Myrtle L. Mrs. O'Neill 
died in 1875, and in 1877 the Doctor formed a 
second marriage, Jliss Maiy (.^uirk, a native of 
Illinois, becoming his wife. Of this latter union 
two children, Ralph and Marguerita, have been 
born. 

It is with [ileasure that we give, accompanying 
this sketcli, a portrait of Dr. O'Neill. 



^ AMLIKL S. NORRIS, deceased, was one of 
^^^ tlie earl}' pioneers of Wapello County, to 
which he came in 184.'), and by his goodly 
life and high moral character, replete with 
benevolence, kindness and charity, won for himself 
a high place in the estimation of liis fellow-citizens. 
Mr. Norris was a native of the Old Granite State, 
having been born in the town (jf Sandwich, N. H., 
about 1777. His father, Samuel Xorris, was a sol- 
dier of the Revolutionary War, in wliicli he served 
lor a period of eight .years, or during the struggle 
of the colonies for independence. The familj' were 
descendants of stanch Scotch and Irish ancestry, 
and represented in this country by three brothers 




who came over and made settlement, one in Sand 
wicli, N. H., one in New York State, and one in Nor- 
ristown. Pa., tlie latter being the progenitor of these 
who originated the large locomotive foundry. 

The subject of our sketch was reared in his na- ; 
five State, and when he arrived at the age of man- ! 
hood was united in marriage with Miss Anna M.! 
Bean, a native of his own State, their wedding tak- ■ 
ing place about 1 800. Thej' subsequently removed ■ 
to Canada at the time of the rebellion of 183ij.; 
where he lost his property-, returning to his native • 
State in the fall of the same year. He then resolved j 
to seek another localit_y, and turned his steps .south- • 
westward toward the prairies of Illinois. From ■ 
there, in 184.5, he crossed the Father of Waters; 
and, coming into Wa|)ello County, Iowa, located in i 
Ottumwa. The trip was made with teams, and they j 
crossed the Mississippi at Burlington, whence they i 
proceeded to Fairfield and Agency City before i 
coming to this vicinity. Here our subject followed | 
his trade of shoe-making, and established the first i 
shop of the kind in Ottumwa, also making the first 
pair of boots manufactured in this city. 

From the time of his coming here Mr. Norris 
gained the good- will of his associates, which in the 
course of time ripened into the profoundest esteem 
and respect. He was an uncompromising Aboli- 
tionist, and his house was one of the stations of 
the " Underground Railroad," and in the course of 
time suffered mob violence, but he was firm in his i 
convictions of right and courageous in carrying ' 
out what he solemnly believed to be his duty, and, i 
notwithstanding the machinati(ms of hate and op- 
position, many a poor slave was rescued from bond- 
•age and his temporary wants provided for bj' Mr. 
Norris and his family. Had he lived until the 
present day he would feel amply repaid for all lie 
had suffered in the cause of human freedom. But 
he passed from earthh' scenes while the question 
was still under deep agitation, having folded his 
hands for his final rest in 18ii',t. 

Mr. Norris, after coming to this vicinity, thor- 
oughly identified himself with the interests of his 
adopted State and county. He was the friend and 
encourager f)f morality, education and religion, and 
actively assisted in the organization of the first 
Congregational Church in the county, the six meiii- 



- -^ ' iJxijmxihii-iJJii-ii-h rxJ_ 






n 



Ku 



5|| 







1 : 



iiS^ 






I.'; 



\:i 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 




bers of which It was then composed holding their 
meetings at his iKinse. They were 8. S. and Maria 
Norris, Julia Noris, Bela White, Sarah Burgess and 
Ann N. Norris. Mr. Norris was elected the tirst 
Deacon, and ever afterward contributed liberally 
of his time and means for its maintenance and sup- 
port. 

Mr. and Mrs. Norris became the i),'irents of nine 
children, five of whom died before arriving at ma- 
ture j'ears. The four who lived to be adults were 
as follows: James W., whose sketch appears on 
another page of this volume; Ann N., the wife of 
Rev. Benjamin F. Spaulding, deceased, who was 
tirst Pastor of the Congregational Church of Ot- 
tumwa, and a graduate of Andover College, Mass. ; 
Julia M., the wife of Col. .Samuel S. Summers, of 
Ottumwa, who died in this city, and George P., a 
brief history' of whose life will be found elsewhere 
In this volume. Mrs. Norris survived the death of 
her husband five years, dying in 1864, after having 
made a good record as a true-hearted and amiable 
Christian lady, and one well fitted to be the com- 
panion of such a man as Samuel S. Norris. 



^OHN F. HARLAN, of Polk Township, owns 
and occupies a I'omfortable farm homestead 
on section .30, and is successfully engaged in 
agriculture and stock-raising. He Iftis been 
a resident of the Hawke3'e State for thirty-nine 
years, and has generouslj" identified himself with 
the interests of his count3f and community, con- 
tributing as opportunity affords to its general wel- 
fare and prosperity. He presents the example of 
an industrious, enterprising and energetic farmer 
and business man, and is highly resjiected b}' his 
neighbors and fellow-citizens. 

Mr. Harlan was born in Fayette County, Ind., 
Feb. 11, 1819, and is the son of Aaron and Julia 
(Jackson) Harlan, natives of South Carolina, who 
were born the same year, 1793, and after their 
marriage removed to Faj'ette County, Lid., whence, 
in 1821, they removed to Parke Country. There 
our subject lived with his parents until he had at- 
tained his majoritJ^ He assisted iiis father to clear 
and improve their farm of 100 acres in the latter 



county, the family having been among the early 
settlers, and locating there w-hen the country was 
practically a wilderness, and when its population 
consisted of but six families within the boundaries 
of Parke County, so far as they knew. The younger 
brother of our subject was the first white child born 
in this latter county. The household circle included 
seven children, three of whom died in infancy, one 
in later years, and three sons lived to manhood and 
reared families of their own. 

John F. Harlan is now the only living member of 
his father's family. Aaron Harlan died in 1853, at 
the age of sixty years and seventeen days ; his wife, 
the mother of our subject, departed this life seven 
years later, Feb. 17, 1860, at the age of sixty-six 
years. They were deeply religious people, and the 
father officiated as a Baptist minister, preaching for 
a period of thirty years, without money and with- 
out price. Both parents are buried in the family 
cemetery of Green Township, Parke Co., Ind. 

On the 5th of March, 1840, the subject of our 
sketch was united in marriage with Miss Ann Edg- 
man, in Parke County, Ind. Mrs. H. was born in 
Tennessee, June 25, 1820, and is the daughter 
of Braxton and Sarah (Deathridge) Edgman, the 
father a native of Tennessee and the mother of 
North Carolina. In 1849 Mr. and Mrs. Harlan re- 
moved westward and came to Iowa, purchasing 1 1 4 
acres of land in Polk and Adams Townships, this 
county, and set about the establishment of a perma- 
nent home. Our subject was prospered in his farm- 
ing and business operations anil added to his original 
purchase as time passed on until he became the pos- 
sessor, at one time, of 660 acres, 520 of which he 
divided among his children, who were ten in num- 
ber, four sons and six daughters. The record is as 
follows: Sarah, born Dec. 21, 1840, is the wife of 
William Draper, a farmer of Adams Townshii>; 
Ulysses, born April 24, 1842, is carrying on farm- 
ing in Polk Township; Sareptha was born July 0, 
1845; Julia, born Jan. 15, 1847, became the wife 
of W. L. Colvin, a farmer of Gage County, Neb. ; 
Mary, born Dec. 11, 1848, died at the age of eight- 
een years, and George, born April 11, 1851, at 
seven years; Jane, born Sept. 13, 1853, married 
Mr. O. P. Ralston, a farmer of Gage Countj', Neb. ; 
Martha, born July 7, 1850, is deceased; Aaron, 



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rTTTn ^;^^■l ^ n, ^ i TTTyry^tt rTT 





466 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 








born Nov. 9, 1X5S, i>j farming in Poli< Towiislii]), 
and .Joseph, Marcli •".(), 1860, in Adams T<iwn.shi|). 

Mrs. [Harlan is connected with th(^ Baptist 
Chnreh. of wiiicii her honored imients were mem- 
bers during a greater part of their lifetime. Her 
father died in Shelby County, Ky., where his re- 
mains were interred. Sul)sequently the mother 
came to [f)wa and made her home with our subject 
and his w ife. where she departed this life Nov. 3, 
187;5, at the advanced age of eighty-five years, and 
her remains were laid to rest in Folk Township. 

(Since coming to this locality IMr. Harlan has 
been prominently connected with its welfare and 
prosperity, and has fully established himself in the 
confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. He 
started out in life with no capital but his own 
strong hands and energy of purpose, and has 
climbed up the ladder step by step until he now 
occupies an enviable position among the worthy 
men of the Hawkeye State. He has been upright 
and honoral>le in his business transactions, indus- 
trious and economical, wise in his expenditures, and 
is now enjoying the fruits of his early toil and self- 
denial in a handsome competency. In his earnest 
efforts to attain a worthy position in life he has 
been seconded by his excellent and amiable part- 
ner, the wife of his youth and the mother of his 
children, who stood by him through all his difficul- 
ties and rejoiced with him in his prosperity. Dur- 
ing the years tliat are gone Mrs. Harlan was fully as 
industrious and self-saciiflcing as her husband. In 
addition to the ordinary duties of a large house- 
iiold she spun and wove all the clothing which the_v 
wore until hei- children were grown to mature 
years, and in all other respects performed full}' the 
duties of a faithful wife and affectionate mother. 
The surviving children of this excellent and worthy 
couple are now all established in homes of their 
own, and by their creditable lives are living out the 
princiiiles which were instilled in them during their 
childhood years and which have constituted them 
worthy citizens and honored members of the com- 
munity. 

Mr. Harlan h.as held the various offices of his 
townshi(), ami in 1<S()7 was elected a member of the 
Hoard of Supervisors, which ollice he filled in a 
creditable and satisfactory manner for four years. 







and he has often been called ujxm as a counselor in 
matters of impoitance connected with the welfare 
(»f his townshi]) and community. Politically Mr. 
H. is a stanch Democrat of the .lackson type, and 
uniformly casts his vote in support of the principles 
which he 1)elieves to be the true foundation stone 
of law and good order. He has been the encour- 
.ager and sup]>orter of education, morality and so- 
briety, and all the worthy entei-prises of his localitj' 
ha\e found in him n -^tanch and substantial friend. 



-^^Vt^^t^^^:^^ 



v^ *;ILLIAM H. LEWIS, a highly esteemed 
\&Ji/ citizen of Ottuniwa, is a gentleman of fine 
WW abilities, well read and intelligent, and oc- 
cupies a prominent position among the better class 
of citizens of this localit}'. He has been a resident 
of Ottumwa since 1857, first occupj'ing himself at 
his trade of plastering, and subsequently became a 
successful contractor, which business he followed 
until the spring of 1870. He then moved upon a 
farm in Center Township, and followed agricultural 
pursuits until 188"2, when he returned to Ottumwa 
and was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace. 
The duties of this jiosition he fulfilled with gi-eat 
credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents ; 
he is now retired. 

The subject of this history was born in the little 
cit3' of Urbana, Champaign Co., Ohio, Aug. 30, 
1832. He is the son of William and Ruth (Pearce) 
Lewis, and his father was a native of Kentucky, 
in which State he was born on the Ljth of May, 
l.SIO; the mother was a native of Ohio. The 
jKirental household included six children, who are 
recorded as follows: William H., our subject, was 
the eldest born; Sarah Elizabeth, now Mrs. Joini 
Fisher; Louisa is deceased; Theophilus enlisted 
as a soldier in the late war and w.os killed in 
b.attle near Oldtown, Miss., in 1862; George died 
ininfancj'; Clara died in California about 1877. 
When our subject was about thirteen years of age 
his father removed into Illinois, and there the 
mother's decease occurred in 184o. 

When he had arrived at the age of fifteen years 
young Lewis was apprenticed to the trade of a 
plasterer in Peoria, 111., where he remained four 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



years. He then went to the rapidly growing town 
of Pekin, where he was at once Inisily engaged at 
his trade, and the father received the contract in 
his deiiartinent for some of the largest buildings 
tiien in process of construction. On the 10th of 
September, 1857, in Kappa, 111., he was united in 
wedlock with Miss Mary Y. Jones, and soon aftei- 
ward removed to Ottumwa, Iowa. Mrs. L. is the 
daughter of Charles, Jr., and Mary (Vining) Jones, 
natives of Massachusetts. She was born in No- 
vember, 1S40, and by her union with our subject 
became the mother of live children, as follows: 
Josephine L. was born Nov. 14, 1858; Jennie A., 
Oct. 13, 1802; Walter A., Oct. 19, 1804; Clara A.. 
Feb. 11, 1867, and Arthur, Aug. 12, 1875. 

Jlr. Lewis has given his children the advantages 
of a liberal education, and his daughter. Miss Clara, 
is an artist of considerable merit, and has painted a 
portrait (.)f her father which does great credit to 
her skill and genius. The family residence is 
pleasantly' located, and in all respects is indicative 
of the cultivated tastes and the education of its 
inmates. Mr. Lewis is an extensive reader, and is 
tlie encourager and supporter of education, temper- 
ance and morality. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican, and socially belongs to the 1. O. 0. F. of 
Ottumwa. 



'-^"^^^^i^t^^tT^^^ 



IL 



^s^ ENECA BROWN THRALL, M. 1). Among 
^^^ the medical practitioners of Ottumwa, who 
l(l£^) 1^^^'^ attained to no small degree of promi- 
nence in the practice of their profession by 
their constant attention to their business. Dr. 
Thrall certainly deserves mention. What success 
he has attained has been due to close application as 
a student and also continual pi'actice. He was 
born in Utica, Licking Co., Ohio, Aug. S), 1832. 
The father of our subject, the late Vrof. H. L. 
Thrall, of Kenyon College, Ohio, was well known 
throughout the West for his general scientific at- 
tainments as well as for his skill as a physician, 
having tilled the chair of Chemistry and Geology 
in that institution from 1840 to 1852; the chair of 
JLateria Jledica and general Patholog\' in the 
Starling Medical College, Columlius, during tlie 
years 1855-5G. l"he honorary degree of M. D. was 



1 1 tfuxrxrrxinimiiiT 



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ITITITUITI 




conferred on him by the Medical Department of 
the University of New York, in 1844. 

■ The subject of this notice passed through all the 
departments of Kenyon College, graduating A. B. 
in 1851, and A. M. in 1855. He commenced the 
study of medicine in 1 84!) ; attended a course of 
lectures at .Starling Medical College, in 1851-52, 
and then at the University of New York, where he " 
graduated M. D. in 1853. He had begun practice 
a 3'ear prior to his graduation, in company with his 
father, at Columbus, Ohio. In April, 1854, he re- 
moved to Belle Center, Logan County, that State, 
where he continued in active practice until Novem- 
ber, 1855, when he returned to Columbus, and in 
Ma J', 1856, came to this State and located at 
Ottumwa, where he is at present residing and en- 
joying a large and responsible practice. At tiie 
time of locating in Ottumwa it had a population of 
about 900 and there were fifteen nominal physi- 
cians candidates for practice. Now tlie population 
is 12,000, and tliere are thirty [ihysicians, including 
all schools. 

The Doctor is a member of the Wapello County 
Medical Society and was President of the same in 
1871. He is also a member of the Iowa State 
Medical Society, and has been ever since 1856, be- 
ing its Secretary in 1864, its President in 1869, and 
President jJ)-o teni in 1870. He was re-elected 
Secretary in 1873, and continued his own successor 
until 1877. The I^octor was a delegate to the 
American Medical Association held in .San Fran- 
cisco in 1871, and is an iionorary member of the 
California State Medical Society. On a visit to 
the Pacific Coast he made short excursions to 
places of note and stopped at Salt Lake City on 
his return home. Our subject is likewise a member 
and ex-President of the Des Moines Valley Medical 
Association. For a period of fifteen years he was 
a member of the City School Board of Ottumwa. 
He has contributed some papers to medical litera- 
ture and likewise some admirable addresses to the 
State and county medical societies, some of which 
are contained in their transactions. He also wrote 
a report t)f the epidemic of peritonitis whicli pre- 
vailed in Wapello County in 1876. In February, 

ISC-J. Dr. Thrall was appointed Surgeon in the 
.Military Hospital at Keokuk. In November of 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



that 3'ear he was commissioned Assistant Surgeon 
of the 13th Iowa Volunteers, and served with it, 
in the 17th Corps, until Ma^y, 18(J4. Returning 
from the war Dr. Thrall resumed his practice at 
Ottumwa, and has continued the same until the 
present time. He was married, in 1856, to Miss 
Mary Brooks, of Columbus, Ohio, and they have 
three children — Frank B., Nellie and Homer N. 



m^ 



<^*<f- 




EWIS W. THORNBURG, residing on sec- 
tion 1 1 , Center Township, is a grower of 
small fruit and vegetables, which he has 
pursued intelligently and industriously for many 
years. He is a native of Highland Count}', Ohio, 
born Oct. 26, 1820, and is a son of Joseph and 

f- Matilda (Higgins) Thornburg, the father a native 
of North Carolina and mother of Marjland. 
^Vhen Lewis W. was but seven years of age his 
parents moved from Ohio to Randolph County, 
^ Ind., where they remained until 1862, thence re- 
moving to Keosauqua, ^'an Buren Co., Iowa, 
where the mother died shortly after their arrival, 
and the father in about 1864. 

The subject of this sketch was reared u[)on his 
father's farm, and remained at home until twenty 
years of age, when he came to what was then 
Iowa Territorj', locating in Salem, Henry County, 
and worked at the cabinet-maker's trade. In 1840, 
just before coming to Iowa, he was united in 
marriage witli Miss Matilda Jacobs, the daughter of 
Gabriel Jacobs, a native of Pennsylvania. To this 
union there were born two children — Cecelia and 
Joseph, both' of whom are now deceased. The 
motiier of these children died Sept. 22, 1842. In 
1845 Mr. Thornburg contracted a second marriage, 
choosing as his. bride Miss Martha. Miller, a native 
of Ohio, and a daughter of Thomas Miller, of 
i Clarke Count}', that State. Seven children blest 
this union : William and Millard, deceased ; Thomas, 
tqnow living at Ottumwa; Sarah, the wife of Joseph 
Bower, of Albia, Iowa; Alice, who married N. D. 
llinsey, and is now deceased; Charles, living in 
Dmtiha, Xeb. ; Angle, living with her brother in 




v>;^^m 










Plattsmouth, Neb. 3Irs. IMnrtha Thornburg died 
Jan. 9, IST'.l. 

Mr. Thornburg, on March .'So. 1 .s.s2. married Mrs. 
Ellen McPherson. the widow of Isaac McPherson, 
and a daughter of Dr. Galland, of Nashville, Iowa. 
She was born Jan. 3, 1830, and is believed to be the 
first white child born in the State of Iowa. She is 
remarkably well preserved, and it is a real jileasure 
to meet her; it is wonderful, considering the 
progress and development in the State that the 
first citizen could yet be found in her borders, 
looking so hale and heart}'. Mr. Thornburg owns 
eleven acres of land, on which is one of the finest 
orchards in Wapello County. He is a member of 
the ^Methodist Episcopal Church and also of the 
I. O. O. F. Politically he is a Republican. 



-H>- 



^^^ 



\|? KONIDAS M. GODLEY, a resident of (H- 
I (?§1 tumwa, and one of the early settlers of 
jlL^, Wapello County, is a native of Mason 
County, W. Va., and was born June 13, 1836. 
When he was a lad fourteen years old, in 1850, his 
parents emigrated to Jefferson County, Iowa, and 
since that time he has been a resident of this sec- 
tion. He is the son of Mahlon and Nancy (New- 
man) Godley, natives respectively of Airginia and 
Pennsylvania. After living in Jefferson County 
for a period of four years they came to A\'apello 
County, settling in Ashland, where JIahlon (lod- 
ley followed the trade of a carpenter. He had 
formerly been a cabinet-maker, but after coming 
into Iowa there was but little demand for anything 
in that line and consequently he worked at carpen- 
tering. 

The parental househol<l consisted of eight chil- 
dren, all of whom lived to mature years, as follows : 
Edward died in 1849; Walter N. served during the 
late war as a soldier in the 1st Kansas Cavalry, un- 
der (ien. Lyons. He was wounded at the battle of 
Wilson Creek by a ball which cut its way through 
the outer surface of the skull. Although the 
shock was severe he recovered in due time, and re- 
mained in the ranks until the close of the war. 







"'HBHEgaa^ 



0-> 

} 'E After returning fi'om the army he located in Sedg- 
} ffi wick t'< unity. Kan., wliere lie departed this life in 
[jc .lamiaiy. 1879 ; Eliz.abeth C is a resident vf this 
m county; Martha A. became the wife of James Mar- 
shall, and died in 18.37; JNlilton L. enlisted in Co. 
K., 17th Iowa ^'ol. Inf., returned home safely from 
the war, and is now a resident of this county ; 
Mary K. married .John D. Boswell, and died in 
18,53; Virginia II. became the wife of C. F. (iravesi 
if and died in 18(50. 

Mahlon Godley, the father of our suljject, was a 
man of more than ordinary abilit}', of decided 
views and principles, and a stanch .leffersonian 
Democrat. He was an extensive reader and kept 
himself well posted on State affairs. He was no 
ottice-seeker. but was always read}' to aid in every 
enterprise pertaining to the welfare of his commu- 
nity and in supporting the principles of his party. 
He was the friend of education, and gave his children 
the best advantages which could be obtained in this 
inqt locality. Both he and his wife were earnest and 
fiil active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
iM to the support of which they contributed of their 
S me.ans liberally and cheerfully, and at the same 
jS time spared no labor to promote its prosperity and 
I lis growth. They were honorable and upright in their 

\''i lives and transmitted to their children those princ'i- 

i -'c 

il'c pies which had always been the rule by which they 

i;i lived. The father departed this life in 1879, and 
the mother in 1806. 

L. M. Godlej', our subject, receiveil judicious 
training at the hands of his parents, and a fair edu- 
cation in the common schools. He was trained to 
habits of industry, and in 18.58, removing from 
Iowa to Kansas, learned in the latter jilace the trade 
I of a carpenter, being located at Paris, the county 
c seat of Linn County, In the fall of that year a 
g term of the United States Court was held there, 
E when John Brown, jMontgomery and other Free- 
State men were there at the time. Indictments 
were found against those parties in the United 
States Court for aiding in the liberation and escape 
of slaves, and Mr, (i. was called upon to serve in a 
posse of 135 men, under command of the Sheriff of 
the county, to assist in the arrest of the offenders. 
There was a small fort on Little Sugar Creek Ui 
which they were inarched and disbanded, it having 



been ascertained that John Brown and his part}' 
were in the fort. The barricade was unusually 
strong, and the Sheriff' retired to the town without 
the desired prisoners. The rabble who were with 
Montgomery and Brown were unprincipled ruflians, 
who were read}' to shoot everybody but their 
friends, and Mr. Godley was solicited to carry a dis- 
patch to the Governor at Le Compton. He w.as a 
stranger in the country and the distance was sev- 
enty-five miles, but he undertook it, and after a cold, 
dreary ride on horseliack, succeeded in fulfilling his 
mission. After returning he w.as met bj' some of 
the adherents of John Brown, who had ascertained 
the object of his journey, and was notified that he 
must leave that section of the countiy within ten 
days. Believing discretion to be the better part of 
valor he went down iu Missouri, located in Syra- 
cuse, and engaged at his trade as a carpenter. He 
'here became acquainted with the lady destined to 
share his joys and sorrows, Miss Julia A. Walker, 
to whom he was married in August, 1859. She 
was a native of Kentucky, and the daughter of 
William M. Walker, of the same State. 

From Syracuse, Mo., Mr. Godley moved to Se- 
dalia at about the time of the breaking out of the 
late Civil War, He enlisted in the ■27th Missouri 
Infantry, and was sick at Sedalia during the siege 
of Lexington, After his term of service expired 
he returned to Wapello County, and upon his re- 
covery enlisted again, in Co, E, 22d Iowa A'ol, Inf, 
The regiment rendezvoused at Iowa City whence, 
after a short time, it was ordered to Port Gibson, 
and participated in the battle at that place, which 
was soon followed by the battles of Champion Hills, 
Black River Bridge, and the seige and capture of 
^'icksburg, At the last mentioned place, during the 
first assault upon the works Mr, G, was wounded 
between the knee and ankle by a ball which carried 
away a portion ot the bone. His wound was veiy 
painful, and he lay down between the fire of the 
contending armies, but finding that his limb was 
bleeding profusely he raised up, and while trj'ing to 
get his handkerchief to tie around his leg, he was 
shot in the right breast, the ball coming out at the 
shoulder-blade, and subsequentlj' was shot through 
the same knee which had before l)een wounded. 
While sitting up the general charge had ceased, liut 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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many shots were fired at him before he resumed 
his recumheiit positidii. He lay upon the field for 
three hours between the two lines. There was a 
small stream between him and the reliel lines, and 
while lying there lie saw two of his comrades skulk- 
ing diiu-n the stream. lie called to them, but being 
in an ex|)osed position, within hearing of the rebels, 
they did not dare to approach him, hut |)rocured a 
long pole and, reaching it out to liim. pulled him 
into the river, frum which he w.as enable<l to get 
under the shade of a tree. There he la)' until mid- 
jl night, in company with twenty others who had also 
l^^i been disabled. He then made up his mind that he 

ffl must get away from there that night or remain 
-CL through the following daj'. A rebel picket was 
within call, and he asked him to remove him inside 
of their lines on a stretcher, which was done by a 
couple of "darkies." He was taken into what was 
called the Texas Legion, and a surgeon was called,' 
>i M ' who, after examining his wounds, informed him that 
hi \^, he could do nothing for him before morning; other- 
lip!^ wise he was \ery kindly treated by the C'onfeder- 



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1 1 ates. 
The 



next morning our subject was carried out 
Jl and laid into a hole beside the railroad lu'idge upon 
^r some leaves, and this arrangement served for a dis- 
secting table. Two stout men were on hand for the 
purpose of holding him, and the surgeon gave him 
to understand that he had no chloroform and the 
liml) would have to be removed without the use of 
an an;esthetic. The two stout men stood by to 
hold him, but he finally prevailed upon the surgeon 
to dispense with their services, and braced himself 
up for the amputati<m. His determination was 
equal to the emergency, and, after the limb was re- 
moved, the patient was placed on a lumber wagon 
in companj' with a sick rebel, and they started for 
town to be placed in a residence which had been 
converted into a hospital. It was a beautiful 
structure and afforded a striking illustrati(jn of the 
exigencies of war. 

While on their journey thither they encountered 

a company of Union Sharijsliooters, who gave them 

?^pL?Tii warm reception and compelled the driver to put 

!ii his team to the utmost speed. They rattled over the 

I i t road at a livelj' rate and reached their destination 

KeSsa" : i-„t.. After being comfortably located inside 





the hospital, the blue coats continued shelling the 
building, and the rebels with tiieir disabled cai)tive 
were forced to vacate. When it was discovered 
that they had a Union soldier in their charge Mr. 
(i. was paroled and sent through the lines. After 
reaching the Union lines he was sent to fSt. Louis, 
and placed in Lawson Hospital, where he remained 
until his final discharge in September, LS(;;3, after 
which he returned to his home iu this county. 
After returning home the bone of his amputated 
leg began to decay, and he was obliged to have 
three inches more removed. It w.as a long time 
healing, and he justly deserves the pension which 
he receives from his (Tovernment. 

After the close of his military career, the loss of 
his limb debarring him from further occupation at 
his trade, Mr. Godley turned iiis attention to l)usi- 
ness and political matters, and in 1864 was elected 
to the office of County Clerk, which he held by re- 
election for seven successive terms. He was aj)- 
pointed Revenue Agent in l«>s;j, and the following- 
year was appointed Deputy of the same office. He 
is a member of Cloutman Post No. (J!), G. A. R., 
and belongs to the 1. U. U. F. He passed all tiie 
chairs and has represented his Lodge in the (irand 
Lodge. 

Mr. and Mrs. (Todle}' are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Tiiej' have become 
the parents of five children, viz. : Terasita, William 
G., Mattie A., Charles L. and Hai-ry L. The}' oc- 
cupy a handsome residence in Ottumwa, and are 
highly esteemed residents of this community. In 
politics Mr. Godley has been a Republican since 
1860, and has always taken a prominent part in 
the councils of his party in this portion of the 
State. 

-^ ^>#- ^ 



fip^ A. FLAGLER, (Superintendent of tlic 

^^^ Uviion Coal Mining Company of Ottumwa, 

(l\/_lj) is a native of Hudson, N. Y., and was born 

June 28, 1837. He is the son of Willi;im 

B. and Cornelia C. (Edmonds) Flagler, the latter 

being a sister of Judge Edmonds. In early life 

William B. Flagler was Sheriff of Columbia County, 

N. Y. He was a gentleman well i)osted in county. 

State and national affairs, .and was ver}' popular in 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



473 



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his community. For many years he was book- 
keeper of the Leather Manufacturers' Bank of New 
York Citj'. Subsequently he was clerk at Hlack- 
well's Island for many years, and died there in 
1855. His wife died at Ottuinwa in September, 
1885. She was a sincere Christian, holding- fellow- 
ship with the Episcopal Church, and her entire life 
may be said to have been passed in the cause of 
the Master. 

The parental family consisted of three sons and 
two daughters: Cornelia E., the wife of D. S. 
Davie, of Illinois, crossed the river of death Nov. 
29, 1868, at Anna, 111.; William Edmonds died 
Aug. 25, 1858, at Pulaski, 111.; John Edmonds, 
who succeeded his father to his position on Black- 
well's Island, spent thirty- jears of his life there, 
handling millions of money, and died of paralj'sis 
June 18, 1885; S. A., our subject, is the only sur- 
viving member of the family, Frances M. having 
died iu childhood. 

The subject of this notice was reared to man- 
hood in the busy metropolis of New York. There 
he received his education and continued to reside 
until 1853, when he was apprenticed to learn the 
saddler's trade, which he followed f(ir nine ye.nis. 
He then came West and located at Carbondale, 111., 
and was a resident there for about ten years. In 
1861 Mr. Flagler was appointed Deput}' United 
States Marshall for the State of Illinois, with head- 
quarters at Spring-field, and continued to serve in 
that capacity until the close of the war. After the 
war Mr. Flagler went to Moberly, Mo., where he 
became Superintendent of the mines at that city, 
and was sent by that company to Ottumwa to take 
control of the Union Coal & Mining Company, 
which position he still holds. 

Mr. Flagler was married at Anna, 111., Oct. 24, 
1858, to Miss Melvina D. Browne, a daugliter of 
A. B. Browne, who was Countj' Clerk of Massac 
County, 111., for a period of twenty-five years. 
By this union they had two daughters and one 
son — Frances E., Carrie C.and William B. Socially 
Mr. Flagler is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has 
held all the offices of that order. He is also a 
member of the Patriarchal Circle, and is at present 
Supreme Oracle. During the years 186!»-7() our 
subject was a member of tlie City Council of Car- 



bondale, and during the year 1871 ncted as Blayor 
of that city. In politics jMr. Flngler has been a 
Republican ever since the rebels lirst lired on Ft. 
Sumter. 



"Jf/AMES NEYLON, of Ottumw.-i, Koadmasler 
of the C, B. &, Q. R. R. at this point, is a 
native of County Clare, Ireland, and was 
_ born Dec. 6, 1842. He was reared in his 
native country- and educated in the common schools, 
remaining with his parents until twenty-two years 
of age. He then left Irehind, and emigrating to 
America located in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa., 
where he was first employed as lal)orer on the I'itts- 
burgh. Fort Wayne &: Chicago Railroad, and was 
subsequently i)romoted to foreman of a gang of 
men. In May, 1868, he left the vicinity of the 
Smoky City and journeying west to Chicago, be- 
came employed on the Western Transportation 
Line, receiving for his services a salary of 150 per 
month. (Jn the 8th of September of that same 
year he went to Afton, where he became foreman 
of a grading gang on the C, B. tt (}. H. R., receiv- 
ing now $65 per month. He was also, for a short 
time, employed liy the Superintendent of the track 
between Afton and Cromwell. He then became 
foreman of the track and was connected therewith 
for a period of twelve years and until he was pro- 
moted to foreman of a construction train, luid was 
employed laying steel rails. He was then solicited 
to take a section on the ro;i(l west of Afton, which 
he run from April 2, lis6;), until April 1, liS81. In 
1882 he was appointed Roadmaster of the division 
between Ottumwa and Des Moines. He has filled 
since that time many responsible positions and made 
many improvements coimected with the details of 
the system of procedure, thus becoming a practical 
railroad man. and has abundant reason to feel 
proud of his continued success and ailvancement. 
During these years Mr. Neylon has lived sensibly 
and economically and has become the owner of 
valuable property. He has a farm of eighty acres 
in Union County, Iowa, all under improvement, 
and several lots in the village of Afton. 

The subject of our sketch was married in linioii 
County, Iowa, in February, 1871, to Miss Mary 



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474 



AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



Bi-aii.'iii, n native uf ],n Sallo C'uiuity, HI. Mr.s. X. 
was Ijorn in lMi)2. and ijy her nnion with (Mir sub- 
ject became the mother of five children, all vf 
whom are livinu — Katie, Margaret, Thomas, Mary 
and Terrancc. 

Mr. Nation is a man of energy and enterprise, 
and highly respected among his associates. .Socially 
lie belongs to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, 
lie and his famil}' occupv a pleasant and comforta- 
ble homeand enjoj'a large shareof the good things 
of life. 

-^ ^*^ "^ 



y 



ILLIAM K. JONES, one of the prominent 
business men of the city of Ottumwa, is 
senior member of the firm of Jones & 
Buchanan, who are successfull}' operating as flour 
and feed merchants. Mr. Jones was born in Ross 
County, Ohio, Jan. 28, 1843, and is the son of Enos 
and Hannah (Jones) Jones, natives uf Augusta 
County, Xa. I'he date of his father's birth was 
May IS. 171).!, and that of his mother Dec. 2.'). 
lsn;i. Before their marriage they crossed the Ohio 
Uiver into the Buckeye State, and were among the 
early pioneers of that section. Thej' located in 
Uoss County, where they were m.arried in 1821, 
!uid located upon a new tract of land. Mere Enos 
.lones improved and cultivated a farm, after labor- 
ious and persevering industry. It had originally 
been a heav^' timber tract, and he experienced, to 
the full degree, the toil and hardships of pioneer 
life. In l.'<4y they decided to leave their old home 
and cross the Mississippi, and accordingly came into 
Wapello County, Iowa, and located upon a farm in 
Center Township, where they purchased a claim, a 
small portion of which was broken, .and upon wiiich 
had been erected an humble cabin. This the}' took 
possession of, established a comfortable homest(!ad, 
and lived ujjon it the remainder of their lives, Enos 
Jones dying on the Gth of December, 18()4, and the 
mother, Aug. 0, lUt^i). 

The father of our subject was a man of more 
than ordinary intelligence, and well posted upon 
the atifairs of the country. Tolitically he was a 
stanch Democrat, possessed of decided views and 
fearless in the expression of his sentiments. He 
was straightforward and upright in his business 




W E:r'Hr'rJi-'rJH'r-f?F? | 



i 






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transactions and. with liis estimable wife, na> held 
in the highest respect in the community where lliey 
made their home for so many 3-ears. Theparentui 
household included nine children, four sons and 
five daughters, who lived to become men and wo- 
men, and of whom the record is as follows: Martha 
A. became the wife of William H. Crips, and re- 
sides in Center Township; Marv is the wife of 
James H. (ioldsberry, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Jemima 
married John Coiner, of Newton, Jasper Co., Iowa; i'M 
Matilda, the wife of Judge Clarion Williamson, - '^ 
died in Oquawka, and her husband, Judge ^^'.. died : ,i, 
in Peoria, 111.; Peter C. is a resident of .lackson : H^ 
Countv, Mo.; Thomas M., of Taylor Countv, Iowa; : ii' 
Ann married Austin AUcott, of Taylor County, I 
Iowa; John M. served as a soldier in Co. B, ^(Uh 3 
Iowa Vol. Inf., contracted .an incurable disease ; 
while on the Yazoo expedition, and died in Ot- ; 
tumwa in 1863; the youngest was William E., of : 
our sketch. : 

William E. Jones of this history came with his E 
parents to Wapello County in 1849, and here grew ; [j 
to manhood. He received a good education in the ; 
district schools, and remained upon his father's ; 
farm until he was twenty-six years of age. He 5 
had been trained by his excellent parents to habits : 
of industry, and when not in attendance in school s 
during his earlier years, assisted in the labors S 
around the homestead, and shared with his broth- 3 
ers and sisters the hardships of pioneer life. In De- :'■}' 
cember, 1 869, he decided to go into business for him- 
self and accordingly came to Ottumwa and associated 
himself with the firm of Livelj', Lewis & Co., with g;^ 
w hom he remained two y^ears, and afterward became gi- } 
proprietor of the public scales, and was engaged 
to a considerable extent in grain operations. In 
1 88(1 he associated himself with Mr. Buchanan in 
the flour and feed business, in which thej- have 
operated successfully since that time. 

Mr. Jones wiis united in marriage with .Miss ; j{| 
Catharine Whipple in 180."), in AVapello County. ; !^ 
Mrs. J. is a daughter of A. D. Whipple, one of the ; 
early settlers of this region, and a sketch of whom ; 
will be found in another part of this work. Of 3 {j 
this marriage there have been born two children — ; ™ 
Etta .M. and Carrie M. Mr. and .Mrs. .1. are prom- I ■ 
inently connected with the Congregational Chun li 






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WAPELLO COUNTY. 




anrl are held in high esteem in this fomnuinit}'. 
Mr. .1. has long been identified with the business 
and industrial interests of Wapello County, and has 

J I viewed its progress and advancement with unabated 
I interest. He is Democratic in polities, and in 1H82 
:^ was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors. 
At this time the prohibition movement w.as the oc- 
casion of great excitement, and Mv. J. made a firm 
stand in favor of temperance, and as a law-abiding 
citizen cast his influence upon the side of sobriety 
and good order. Like all prominent men with de- 
cided views and force of character, he has his ene- 
mies, but takes satisfaction in the conviction that 

j;H he h.ns endeavored to follow the principles of truth 

|?5 and justice in all respects. 



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A. WORK, of the firm of Sloan, Work & 
Brown, of Ottumwa .and Keosauqua, Iowa, 
attorneys at law, is successfullj' engaged 
with his partners in the transaction of legal busi- 
3:5 ness in this county, the firm commanding a large 
I'-'S and lucrative business. 

i|;E Mr. Work is a native of Jefferson County, Iowa, 
uid was born on the 2.5th of December, 1844. He 
x : is the son of Joseph Work, a native of Clark 
; County, Ind., who, in 1843, vv.as united in m.arriage 
C with Miss Eleanor Huckleberry, and soon after- 
ward, coming to Iowa, located in .Jefferson 
Countj^ The following year they removed to 
Van Buren County and engaged in farming pur- 
suits. Joseph Work, in early life, affiliated with 
the Whig party and upon the abandonment of this 
and the organization of the Republican party, he 
cheerfully indorsed the principles of the latter and 
uniformly voted in support of them. He was a 
man of reliable and substantial character, possessed 
of good, sound common sense, and a keen observer 
of what was going on around him. He kept him- 
self thoroughly posted upon the events of the day 
E and became a leader in his community. His views 
C and opinions were of the most decided character 
: and he was largely in sympathy with the Grangers 
: i>f that time, being in 1872 elected to the 
;■ Iowa Legislature on the (irauger ticket. He isstill 




Ip 

m 



living in Van Buren County, and his wife also, the 
mother of our subject. They are connected with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the support 
of which they have contributed liberally for many 
years, and are greatly esteemed in the community 
where they have lived so long for their excellent 
personal traits of character. 

The subject of our sketch was reared in Yiui 
Buren County and received careful home training 
at the hands of his excellent i)arents. His primary- 
studies were pursued in the common schools and 
later he entered the Iowa Wesleyan ITniversity at 
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, grada.ating from there in 
18G7. During the progress of the late war he en- 
listed in the navy and was one of the crew of the 
gunboat "Benton" of the Mississippi fleet, being 
in the service until the early part of 1864. In the 
fall of 1867 he entered the office of Judge Sloan at 
Keosauqua, with whom he jjursued a course of law 
study for one year, and was admitted to the bar [lOfci;^ 
in January, 1869, succeeding to the practice of the 
Judge at the time the latter was elected to the 
bench. Eight years later he associated himself 
with Judge Alexander Brown at Keosauqua, under 
the firm name of Work tt Brown, and in 1882, 
Judge Sloan, after leaving the bench, became a 
member of the firm. In l.s,s;i Mr. Work came to 
Ottumwa, where he opened an office which he still 
retains and, with his partners, .is occasion requires, 
attends the courts of \\'apello and Van Buren 
Counties. 

The subject of our sketch possesses the stanch 
and substantial qualities of his father and, like him, [f; 
has developed remarkable business capacity and an 
excellent store of knowledge, both in regard to his 
practice and to matters of general interest. In 
politics he is a conscientious Republican, although 
he lias declined political offices and prefers to con- 
fine his attention to the duties of his profession. 
The firm is a strong one, each member of which 
brings to it those qualities wliicharcnf a liigh<irder 
and essential to success. 

W. A. Work and Miss lliuda 11. M.-ulnw were 
united in niarri;ige at Kcosauqu.-i in ISG',). iMrs. 
Work is a daughter of I'.enjauiin I'. ]Marlow. a 
native of \t\u Ihii-en County. ;uid by hei- unimi 
with our snlijcct became the mother of live 



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476 



chililren, as follows: Craig M.. IJeiijaniiu M., 
Krnraett A., Esther B. and Ktitli K. Mr. and Mis. 
\V. are members in good slan(.ling of the First 
Methodist Episcoi)aI Church of Ottumwa, and 
occupy a pleasant home on Maple avenue, where 
thej' are surrounded by the comforts uf life and a 
circle of warm friends. 



SAAC BKAY WHITAKKK, M. U., residing at 
Uttumwa. occupies an enviable position as a 
highly respected member of the profession in 
the Ilawkeye State, and has been a resident of 
Iowa since 1S«0. He is a gentleman of enterprise 
and energy, and has made the most <jf his opportu- 
nities, and after a long and busy career is enjoying 
the fruits of his early industry in the reward of a 
handsome competencj'. 

The subject of this sketch is a native of Surr^' Co., 
N. C, and the date of his birth .Inly l.i, 1838. His 
(larents were William and Jane (Bray) Whitaker, 
his father a native of Rowan County, N. C.and his 
mother, who was Ijorn in France, came to America 
with her parents when a child five years old. They 
located in North Carolina and were both reared and 
educated iu that State, and in 1831 were united in 
marriage. Eleven years later they started north- 
west, to Indiana, with teams, and located iu Monroe 
Count}'. There, William Bray first purchased a 
farm, ouly a portion of which was imi>roved; this 
he afterward disijosed of and entered a large tract 
of land, which, in the course of time, he converted 
into a valuable homestead. In 1 8G5 he also dis- 
posed of this, and after a I'esidenee of over twenty- 
^•ears in Indiana, he removed from that State across 
the Mississippi to Decatur County, Iowa, where he 
remained for the following ten years, and then, in 
1875, removed from there to Schuyler County, 
JIo., and settled upon the farm where he still re- 
sides. The parental houseiiold included five chil- 
dren, as follows: Julia became the wife of Col. 
O. P. (iray, of the .50th Indiana Regiment; Isaac 
B., our subject, was the second child; Martha mar- 
rietl Dr. P. MuUinix, who is now deceased, having 
been assassinated by unknown jjarties in ^lissouri; 
.Ah>. M. was married again, to George W. Dixon. 



: 1, 






of Lj'onville, Iowa; Americus served a-; Secon 
Lieutenant of the S2d Indiana Regiment, and \va> 
wounded at Perrj'ville, Ky.. whence he returned to 
his home iu Monroe County, Iml.. and died snon 
afterward; Richard is a farmer of (iiiuidy County, 
Mo. The wife and mother departed this life iu 
1874, while a resident of Decatur County. She wa- 
an earnest Christian lady, highly esteemed by all 
who knew her and prominently connected with the 
Baptist Church. Mr. Whitaker is still living, hav- 
ing arrived at the advanced age of seventy-five 
years, is Democratic in politics, and religiously is 
connected with the Baptist Church. 

Isaac Bray Whitaker remained under the par- 
ental roof until he was a youth of sixteen years, le- 
ceiving careful home training, and his primaiv edu- : 
cation in the common schools. He then entereil : fi^ 
Jacksonville Institute, where he spent three ^ears ;;J 
of a scientific course, and graduated in 18.56. He : t^ 
then commenced the study of medicine under the :'-~^i 
instruction of Dr. Dunlap of Jacksonville, and in : }) 
the winter of 1859-60 took a course in Miami 
Medical College, Cincinnati, receiving his degree 
in the spring of 1861. 

In the summer of 1861 Dr. \\ hitaker went to 
Henderson, K}'., and commenced tiie practice of his 
profession. At this time there began to be heard 
iu the land the mutterings of Civil War, and at the ;j:| 
call for 300,000 troops for the preservation of the Sp } 
Union, he enlisted as a soldier in Co. B, 6th Ind. 3i:j' 
Vol. Cav. Soou after the organization of the regi- ail}] 
ment he was sent to Louisville. Ky.. on detached : !j 
dut}', and was promoted First Lieutenant. He was 
soon afterwai-d sent to iSanta F"e, N. M., where p} 
he was Surgeon of the Post at that point, and z-] 
stationed there until the close of the war, when he 3pJ 
received his honorable discharge, and returning to 3:i{ 
Terre Haute, Ind.. resumed the practice of his pro 







fession. 

In 1880 Dr. \\ hilaker removed West, across tlie = 
Mississippi, and located in Wapello County, Iowa, ix 
and has successfully followed his profession in this » r-j 
locality since that time. He has identified himself s ^ 
with the business and industrial interests 
section, and is the encourager of education, moral- 
ity and religion. He has been connected wilii Uir : 
Baptist Church tor a period of sixteen year>, and 






f this :^ 



imiQixruinninmrxim' 



■ iTTTjTtiJnnimxrmTrmxTiT 




WAPELLO COUNTY. 






477 



contributes, as his means justify, to the spread of 
the Gospel and the building up of educational and 
reformator}' institutions. 

While a resident of Louisville, Ky., \)r. A\'liit- 
aker was united in marriage witii Miss ISIarj' E. 
Cupps, in 18G(i. Of this union there has been one 
child, a daughter, Alice. ]\Irs. Ma\y Wliit.aker de- 
parted this life at the home of hei- liusliand in ()t- 
tumwa, in 1881. 

The second marriage of Dr. Whitakor was with 
Miss Fannie Anderson, in 1 882, and they have also 
become the parents of one child, .lohn II. Their 
home surroundings are pleasant and desirable, and 
their friends and associates comprise the most cult- 
ured people of the cit}'. 

yfe W. HARKINS owu.s and occupies a com- 
/ fortable homestead in Highland Township, 
W^ on section 18, and has been a resident of 
this countj' since February, 1872. He was born in 
Crawford County, Pa., in 1 832, and is the son of 
Daniel and Lydia (Williams) Harkins, both natives 
of Pennsjivania. Mr. H. left his native State in 
the spring of 1853, first going to Warren County, 
111., where he lived twenty-one years, and then, 
coming into Wapello County, settled on the farm 
which is his present homestead. 

Our subject was married, in 18G4, to Mrs. Ma- 
linda (Chapman) Johnson, the daughter of Samuel 
and Polly (Jones) Chapman, natives of Kentucky 
and Ohio respectively. Of this union there were 
born six children, only one of whom is living, 
George W., a young man of nineteen years, who 
has the principal charge of his father's farm. Lo- 
retta died at the age of twenty-two months; AVill- 
iam, at the age of four years; Grade, eighteen 
months, and the others died in infane3^ Mr. and 
Mrs. H. are members in good standing of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. Our subject has been 
greatlj' interested in the prohibition movement, is 
a strong friend of temperance, and a Repuljlican in 
politics. .Mrs. H. has been an invalid for thirteen 

I years. 

The grandfather of our subject, John Harkins, 

1 was a native of Ireland, born in 1773, and died in 



1829. The maiden name of his wife was Susanna 
Miller, who was t>f (ierman descent, born in this 
country, and died in l.s.'iO. His grandfather Will- 
iams was a Captain in the War of 1812, a |)romi- 
nent man in his time, an<l at the close of his niili- 
tarj' career engaged in farming pursuits. The 
father of i>ur subject died in 18G1 in Illinois, at 
the age of fifty-nine years; the mother survived 
until 1874, and departed this life in Wapello 
County at the advanced age of seventy. She was 
a most estimable lady, and a worthy member of 
the Methodist Episcopal C^hurch. The parental 
family consisted of fifteen children, eight of whom 
are now living. 

The grandparents of Mrs. Harkins were natives 
of Kentucky, and her paients of Ohio. Her father, 
Samuel Chapman, was a Union soldier in the late 
wai- for a period of six months, and received his 
discharge on account of disability. He is still liv- 
ing; both parents were connected with the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. The mother died in 1873. 
at the age of fifty-one years. Mrs. H. received 
careful home training, and remained with her par- 
ents until her first marriage, to Richard Johnson, 
who served in the late war in Co. H, 83d 111. Vol. 
Inf., and participated in the battle of Ft. Donelson 
and the other engagements of his regiment. He 
died at Donaldson June 19, 18fi4. Of this mar- 
riage there were born two children — Lewis E., who 
is with his mother at home, and Clara, who became 
the wife t)f Preston Hough, of Keokuk County. 



r; B. HILL, a Methodist minister, is pleasantly 
located on a small fruit farm in Agency 
Township, and is meeting with success in 
the prosecution of his labors. Rev. Hill was 
born in Pocahontas County, W. A'a., July 25, 1822, 
.and is the son of Abraluim and Sarah (Burr) Hill. 
Abraham Hill and wife were natives of Mrginia, 
and he followed the calling of a farmer in that 
State until his demise, which occurred about 1865. 
His wife died in the same State about three years 
previous to the demise of her husband. The 
parental union was blest by the birth of nine chil- 
dren, John B. lieing the second in order of birth. 




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The other children ;ire Kichaifl, Rebecca. Ajuoh, 
Thomas. Peter. Joel, Doctor C. and William. 

.lohii IJ. Hill left the |>arentai homcrtead when 
he had reached the .age of maturity, and having 
attended the common schools iirior to this time 
and received therein a good common-school educa- 
tion, he supplemented the same by a course of 
study at the academy at Ilillsljoro, Va. When 
twenty-five years of age he was licensed to preach, 
and at once engaged in the ministry, and, in con- 
nection with other vocations, has continued to fol- 
low the same until the present time. 

Our subject was married to Eliza .T. McCoy in 
1843. She was born' in <Treeubrier County, \'a., 
and was the daughter i.»f William and Elizabeth 
(McMillen) McCoy. The union of our subject 
with Miss JMcC'oj- was productive of the birth of 
one child, Nathan, who is deceased. The mother 
departed this life in 1845, and three years later, in 
1 848, our subject was again mai-ried, Miss Mary J. 
Cottle being the other contracting i)arty. She was 
born in Nicholas County, W. Va., June G, 1829, 
and is the daughter of William D. and Elizabeth 
((iroves) Cottle. Of this latter union eight children 
have been born — John W., Sarah E., Sophronia A., 
ilary E., Frank S., Stella R., Cora M. and Edda C. 
^Ir. Hill is the proprietor of forty acres of good 
laud under an advanced state of improvement, and 
has thereon a good residence, together with sub- 
stiintial out-bnildings and other improvements, and 
is surrounded by a happy family and all that gives 
comfort to his declining years. 

J. ANSON, an attorney at law, now fol- 
lowing the practice of his i)rofessiou in the 
city of Ottumwa, is an honored member of 
the legal fraternity in this section. He is a native 
of the Hawkeye State, and was born in Van Buren 
County on the 10th of December, 1849. His par- 
ents were Flarius and .\manda ((Goodrich) Anson, 
natives respectively of Kentucky and Ohio. They 
« were among the early pioneers of Iowa, crossing 
the Mississipiii while it was yet a Territorj', in 1837, 
each with their patents, who located in \'an Bureu 
County. The elder Anson was an energetic and 







this H 

a i\J 



for miles around, not only the 31 
Bureu County, but many from i -i. 



enter])rising man, and erected the first saw and 5 
grist mill on Lick Creek, in that county. T 
the people came 
residents of Van 

Wapello County adjoining. Flarius Anson was oc 
cupied in the business of the mill for a period of 
several years, and then abandoned it to engage in 
agricultural pursuits. 

The parental family consisted of five children, 
four of whom are living, as follows: Henry F. is a 
farmer of ^'an Buren County; W. J., our subject, 
was the next in order of birth ; Mar}' E. became 
the wife of William M. Orr, of \'an Buren Count}'; 
Martha married E. P. Rogers, of Gilro3% Cal. Tv 
the latter place the elder Anson moved in 18(59, 
where he and his wife at present reside. She is a 
devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and a sincere Christian lady, greatl}' es- 
teemed by all who knew her. 

The suljject of this history was reared Ijy his 
parents in Van Buren County, and received his 
early education in the pioneer schools. His studies B'jj 
were pursued in a log cabin with puncheon floor g 
and slabs for seats and desks. These latter were i 
supported b}' poles driven into the logs, and, as S 
may well he imagined, the system of study pur- a 
sued within those primitive structures was widely p 
different from that of the present d.ay. After com- p' 
pleting his primarj' studies, Mr. Anson attended S 
the High Schools of Fairfield, which he entered in c; 
186(>, and continued there for about two years. S' 
He then became a teacher in A^an Buren Count}', 5 
being thus occupied, however, only one year. He ^ 
then went to California, where he resided until tiie ■ 
fall of 1871, and then entered the Iowa Wcsleyan 3 
College, at Mt. Pleasant, for the purpose of further | 
perfecting himself for the profession of law, which g 
he had had in view for some tune. After a course J 
in this institution he went to Iowa City and en- § 
tered the law department of the State University | 
there, from which he graduated in 187.5, and re- 3 
ceived his license to practice in all the courts of B 
the State of Iowa. H 

Mr. Anson came to Ottumwa in 187.'), arriving 3 
here for his final location on the 29th of July. He S 
at once entered upon the practice of his profession, » 
and soon afterward associated himself in partner- : 




ship with P. H. Riordan, the firm doing business 
under the st3ie of Anson & Kiordan. They oper- 
ated together until the fall of IH77, and then Mr. 
Anson continued business alone until the 20th of 
October, 1882. lie then became associated in 
partnership with 1). T. Miller, the firm name being 
sillier <fe Anson. This partncrslii|i was dissolved 
two years later, and since .Tune, ISH4, Mr. Anson 
has carried on his business alone. 

The marriage of Mr. Anson and Miss .Jennie E. 
Scott, of Ohio, was celebrated on the 14th of Oc- 
tober, 187.T. Of this union there have been born 
three children — David F., Floj'd and Eugene. Mr. 
Anson closel}' eonfiues himself to the practice of 
his profession and the details of his additional busi- 
ness. He is Republican in politics. He and his 
familj' occup3' a handsome residence at the corner 
of Benton and Second streets, and are surrounded 
bj' all the comforts and refinements of life. 



» • — f\y^* 



w 



T. THOMP.SOK, a prosperous farmer and 
stock-grower of Richland Township, maj' 
V7\y be found, on section ;U;, following his 
peaceful pursuits successful!}', and enjoying the 
confidence and esteem of his neighbors. He was 
born in Ohio County, Kj-., Dec. 21), 1820, and is a 
sou of John and Sarah (Iglehart) Thompson, the 
former a native of Kentucky and the latter of 
Maryland. At quite an early day the familj' re- 
moved from Kentucky to Indiana, and lived there 
till 1844. when they came to Wapello County, Iowa, 
and were thus numbered among the pioneers of 
this county. Here they lived until 1857, when 
they moved to Adams County, Iowa, where the 
father died soon after, the mother surviving him 
until Februarj^, 1877. 

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, 
and on the 30th day of October, 1842, in Warrick 
County, Ind., was united in man-iage with Miss 
Polly Ann Evans. Mrs. Thoini)son was born July 
2o, 1821, and is the daughter of James and Sarah 
(Garret) Evans. Her father was a farmer and 
moved with his family from Indiana to this State, 
where he remained a short time and then returned 
to Indiana, where himself and wife subsequentlj' 



died. In 1847 Mr. Thompson came from Indiana 
to Wapello County, making the journey with team. 
On his arrival he bought 120 acres of laud of the 
Government, which comprise.'? his present farm. 
Of this eighty acres arc under cultivation, and he» 
owns thirty-eight acres of wood and pasture land }| 
on section 17, Dahlonega Township. The home }| 
farm is well improved ; on it is a tasteful and sub-"^' 
stantial dwelling, good barn and a fine orchard. 

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of nine 
children: Sarah J., who married N. W. Bliles, is 
now a widow, living in Kansas; John E. married 
Miss Mary Dunn, and lives in Adams Count}', Iowa: 
he was a member of the 29th Iowa Infantry, and 
served until the close of the war; William F. mar- 
ried Miss Louisa Falkner, and is living in Wapello 
County ; Martha is the wife of C. C. IngersoU, and 
lives in Republic Countj', Kan.; Julia is deceased; 
Ellen is the wife of J. F. Gowdy, living in Cass 
County, Iowa; Polly Ann, Mrs. Albert D. Rickett, 
is living in Keokuk County, Iowa; Belle is the 
wife of Lewis N. (TOwdy,of this county; Arsena is 
living at home with her parents. Politically 
Thompson is a Republican. 





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'OHN FULLEN, of Agency, is a dealer in 
lumber, agricultural implements and live 
stock. He also has a liranch store in Ot- 
tumwa, and in both places does a large and 
profitable business. He has the exclusive control 
of some of the best farm machinery made. John 
FuUen was born in New York City, Sept. 28, 1832, 
and is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Barnes) Ful- 
len. His parents were both of Scotch-Irish descent, 
his father beiug a farmer by occupation. His 
mother died in Essex County, N. Y., in 1858, aged 
fifty-five, and his father in the same county in 
1882, at the advanced age of ninety-three years. 
The subject of this sketch, while in his teens, 
learned the trade of carpenter, joiner and bridge- 
builder, which he followed for a number of years. 
For some yeai's he was also engaged in cutting and 
rafting timber and luml)er on the I'pper Hudson 
River. 

In 1858 Mr. FiiUen married Maggie Sage, a na- 



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480 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



live of Clark County, Tii<1., l.oni Feb. 23. 1S41, 
the flaiighter of .Tames and Rehecca (Powell) Sage. 
Six childieii li.ivc heen given in this union — Charles 
Douglas, !,or;i l-;ila, Nellie Hlanchc. Bertha Belle, 
Maggie May and .lolin Clilford. 

.loiin FuUcn is one nf the leading business men 
of Agency City. He w:us a nieml)er of the City 
Council, and served in the same for a nunilier of 
years. He was alsf) a member of the School Boaid 
for many years, and for years was Treasurer of the 
school funds of the city. He owns a farm of sixty 
acres of well-ini|)roved l.-nid on section I!, Agency'' 
Townshi)), on which is a tine orchard, with large 
and small fruit of all kinds. He also owns four 
dwelling-houses in .4.gency City. Mr. Fullen was 
the princii);d founder of. .and is a stock-holder in, 
the Agency District Fair, and also iiolds stock in 
the Wapello County Fair, lieing a Director of the 
latter. Socially' he is a member of the X. A. S. 
l^oliticalh' he is a Democrat, and is quite an active 
politician. 



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i 



HIO L. MILLER, a ])rominent resident of 
Ottumwa, occupies the position of Superin- 
tendent .and proiirietor of the Ottumwa 
Business College. He is finely educated, is an ex- 
cellent business man, and fills the duties of his po- 
sition in a successful and creditable manner. Prof. 
Miller is a native of Keokuk County, Iowa, having 
been born in Sigourney .Ian. L"), 1859, .and is the 
son of .lohn W. and Matilda (Ford) Miller, his 
father a native of F.ayette Count3', Pa., and born 
on the 28th of March, 17118, and his mother of 
Washington County, Ohio, born BLay 2, 1814. 
U They both removed to Ohio with their parents and 
were married on the 1st of September, 183,5, in 
Licking County, that State, where thej' settled, and 
fWf j' where young ^Miller became engaged in iron work, to 
.1% the trade of which he li.ad been apprenticed in his 
j: earlier years. He w.as thus occupied in that localitj' 
I until the fall of 185;"), and then, coming to Iowa, 
23 located in Sigourney, and erected the first foundry 
f J in Keokuk County. Thence he removed into 
Marion County, locating near Knoxville at the time 
of its early settlement. He was an ambitious and 




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enterprising man. and w.as actively engaged in ' ::j 

business for a period of forty-five years after com- : j 

ing West. 5 ju 

.John Miller, in early life, identified himself with : ■ 

the Whig party and w.as a great admirer of Henry : .^ 

Claj'. After the abandonment of the old part}-, I ^ 

he cordiallv indorsed the princiiiles of the new Re- : ''J 

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publican party, with which he unifornily cast his - ^ 

vote. The parental household consisted of eight § ^ 

children, seven sons and one daughter, as follows: » ^ 

3 1 
Chancey .1. died in 1855; Charles S. served as a S h 

soldier in the late war, in Co. F, 5th Iowa \'ol. Inf.: E \v 
he entered as Sergeant and was promoted to Lieu- c ' 
tenant; he participated in all the engagements of E | 
his regiment, w.as at the battle of Shiloh, the siege 
of Corinth, the capture of A'icksburg and luka, and 
at Lookout Mountain, being mortally wounded on 
the 24th of November, 1863, his death taking 
pl:ice eleven daj's afterward; David T., also a sol- 
dier, served in the 1 5th Iowa Infantrj' ; Benjamin 
F., a member of the same regiment, died in the 
army at Marietta, Ga., on the 23d of September, 
1864; he also had participated in the principal en- 
g.agements of the war, and became a victim of 
hardship, exposure and the wearisome marches 
through the mal.arial districts of the South; Win- 
field .S. is a resident of Keokuk County, Iowa; 
Hannah A., a te.acher, is the wife of A. F. Harris of 
Marquette, Hamilton County, Neb.; Leroy D. is a 
farmer of Wapello County, and Ohio L., of our 
sketch, completes the number. The parents of our 
subject have lived together as husband and wife 
for fifty-one years. 

The subject of our sketch received his iirimary J; 
education in the public -schools of Sigourney, and 
in 1885 graduated at the Business College of Ot- 
tumwa, and was soon afterward appointed ti) his 
present position. He is a printer by trade, and has 
traveled over most of the States and Territories of 
the Northwest. In common with most members of 
the craft, he is exceedingly well informed, and pos- 
sesses a valuable store of knowledge concerning 

ueneral matters connected with the history of the si 

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country. After coming to Ottumwa in 1886, he 3- i 

was united in marriage with Miss Rofeno Graves. Si 

K11 
Mrs. M. is a native of Ottumwa, her birth occurring ::i 

on the 10th of October, 1859. Her f.ather, A. L. : i 







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Jjil Graves, was one of the early settlers of Wapello 

{:ip County, and has been a resident of the Hawkeye 

IE State for a period of fortj'-six years, crossing the 

[iSMississsippi and locating within its boundaries 

while it was j'et a Territory. 




I it 







^/OSEPH C. IIINSKV, M. D., one of the old- 
est practicing physicians of Wapello Countj', 
and a resident of Ottumwa, is a native of 
the proud and wealtliy State of Ohio, and 
as horn in Butler County on the 9th of June, 
182SI. When a mere child, his parents, William 
^ and Mary ^Haines) Hinsey, emigrated to Illinois, 
{i-aud locating in Tazewell County, settled near where 
the city of Pekin now stands. At that time an 
old fort was the oulj' dwelling in that vicinity, and 
within its walls a few adventurous pioneers had 
gathered with the expectation that in time their 
numbers would so increase that they would be en- 
abled to venture out in safety, the country in that 
^section being then full of IndiaiLS. The first win- 
iSter of their sojourn here the mother of our subject 
I is was taken ill, and her little son, Joseph C, of our 
1 Is sketch, ^vas taken care of by an Indian squaw. 



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sc ihe father opened up a farm of ICO acres, but only 
?c lived a short time, being stricken down in the 

1 'AC 

i]?!5 prime of manhood in 1837, leaving his widow with 
a fannly of three children, one son and two daugh- 
ters: Joseph C, our subject; Elizabeth, now Mrs. 
5? Robertson, of Dayton, Ore., and Nellie, Mrs. I. S. 
1=1 Milam, of El Dorado, Butler Co.. Kan. 
I if William Hinsey was a man of decided views and 
i;Scliavacter, and a devoted niemljer of the Baptist 
1 I Church. Mrs. Hinsey was married ayain in due 
lifetime to WiUiam Ayers, and by this union became 

liiSthe mother of six children, five sons and one daugh- 
1 ,; •= 

i^;ter, one of whom is deceased. The}- are, William, 

wiBjames, George, Jonathan and Benjamin. Mrs. 

Ayers departed tiiis life in 1847, in Whiteside 



. *Count3', 111., to which plai'e the family had moved 
J pin 1845. She was a lady highly respected in the 
lygfommunit}' wherever she made her home, and was 
also connected with the Baptist Churc^h. 

The subject of our sketch remained with his 
]j smother until 1843, removing before her from Taze- 



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well to Whiteside County, 111. In the latter place 
he went into the employ of his uncle, Jonathan 
Haines, who was the patentee of the famous Haines' 
Harvester and Header, and our subject assisted in 
the construction of the first machine and operated 
it through the neighborhood. He had entered into 
a contract with his uncle to learn the trade of car- 
penter and joiner, with the agreement that he should 
be sent to school such portion of the time as he 
could be spared, but the latter not living up to the 
terms, our subject left his employ and engaged at 
whatever he could find to do. Foi' some months 
afterward he was variously occupied, and then be- 
came an employe of Dr. A. Brown, a follower of 
the Thompsoniau or Botanic system, and 3'oung 
Hinsey had access to his library and assisted him 
in manufacturing pills. He contracted to stay 
with Dr. Brown three years, with the understand- 
ing that he should be allowed money to attend a 
botanic medical college. He completed one term 
^study, and took a course at the Cincinnati Med- 
ical, the p]clectic, and also the Ohio Medical Col- 
leges, dividing up his time about equally between 
the three institutions. After be had completed his 
studies he returned to Whiteside County, and in 
the winter of 1 849 went to Pekin, 111., and entered 
the office of Drs. Fitch and Quiglej', where he re- 
mained for one year, and then, entering Rush Med- 
ical College, of Chicago, 111., graduated in the class 
of 1851, before he had attained his majority. He 
then returned to Pekin and commenced the prac- 
tice of his profession. 

Soon after receiving his diploma Dr. Hinsey was 
united in marriage, in March, 1851, with Miss 
Olive R. Upson, a step-daughter of Dr. Brown, and 
a native of New Haven, Conn. She was born in 
1830, and of this union there were two children — 
Norton D., a printer of Des Moines, and C)live. 
who died in infancy. Mrs. Olive Hinsej' departed 
this life in August, 1853. She w.asa devoted mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and highly 
respected by all who knew her. 

In the winter of 1853 Dr. Hinsej' went to I'hila- 
delphia, and attended a course of lectures in tlie 
medical department of Pennsylvania College, where 
he received the ad eundem degree, and in the fall 
of 1854 he came across the Mississippi into Iowa, 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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and locatert at Dahloiiega, in Wapollo Count}'. 
This was then the leading town, and our subject 
opened an ofiiee and in due time built up an ex- 
tensive and successful practice. At the time of 
his arrival here he had -^2..')0 in mone_y and $40 in 
worthless script. But he was rich in determination 
and enterprise, and in; had no ntlier intention tiian 
to push ahead and battle with the ditHculties which 
might beset him, and the result is an apt illustra- 
tion of \vhat jierseverance aiid resolution may ac- 
complish. 

During the late Civil War Dr. llinsey wa.v ap- 
pointed Assistant .Surgeon of the volunteer army, 
and assigned as Surgeon of the Board of Enroll- 
ment for the 4th Congressional District of Iowa, 
in which capacity- he examined all the men enlisted 
in the district, and had charge of the returned sick 
and wounded soldiers. 

In the spring of 1 )S63 Dr. Hinsey moved to Ot- 
tiimwa, since which time he has been a resident of 
_ tins city, and has been engaged continuously in the 

W^ ' l>ractice of his profession. He occupies a high 
l!|;|l! l>osition among his medical brethren in this vicin- 
ity. He is a member of the State Medical Society 
of Iowa, the Des Moines Valley District Societ}^, 
the American Medical Association, of which latter 
he has been a member for a period of thirty-three 
years, and the A\'apello County Medical Society. He 
has been President of the District Society and of 
the Wapello Society, and first Vice President of 
the State Society. 

The marriage of Dr. Hinsey and Miss Louisa F. 
Lentner, of Ohio, was celebrated in 1856. Mrs. 
Hinsey was born near Athens, Ohio, in 1838, and 
y :: j by her marriage with our subject l)ecame the 
I ;: I mother of eleven children, of whom all except one 
^ErUJ aie living, the record being as follows: Ida B. is 
the wife of W. C. Knisely, and resides near New 
1 Philadeli)hia, Ohio; Mary Alice was united in 
I marriage with Henry Pliillips, Secretary of the 
Phillips Coal Company ; Ellen, the third daughter, 
is book-keeper for the Phillips Coal Conipanj-; 
William is book-keeper for W. A. Jordan & Son; 
Mattie C. is a teacher in the cit^- schools; the re- 
maining children are Laura, Gertrude, Joseph, 
Louisa and Edith. The Doctor and his family oc- 
cupy' a handsome residence, and enjo}' the confi- 



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dence and esteem of a large circle of friends. 
Since coming to this county he has identified him- 
self with its interests, and has done what he could 
toward the promotion of every worthy enterprise. 

Socially Dr. Hinsey belongs to the A. F. <fe A. 
M., his fii'St connection with the fraternity being 
before he came to Wapello Count}', becoming then 
a member of Pekin Lodge No. 29. He subse- 
quently- joined Ottumwa Lodge No. IG, and with- 
drew from it afterward in order to organize Empire 
Lodge No. 26'.), of which he was made Master, 
serving two y-ears, and in the meantime represented 
this in the (iraud Lodge of the State. He is also 
a member of Clinton Chapter No. 'J, and Malta 
Commandery No. 31. In these orders he has al- 
waj's taken an active interest, and until of late 
years has devoted much time in seeking to advance 
their prosperity and increase their membership. 
As a representative citizen of the county and a 
prominent resident of Ottumwa, the publishers are 
pleased to present the portrait of Dr. Hinsey in 
this Ai.iuM. 

& ROF. JOHN II. RHEEM, prominent in the 
))i musical circles of the city of Ottumwa, 

Tand an instructor of rare merit, has been 
finely educated in this profession, and dur- 
ing a residence of thirteen years in this city has 
built up a reputation as an adept, and is well qual- 
ified for the successful prosecution of his present 
business as a dealer in music and musical instru- 
ments, of which he carries one of the finest stocks 
in this section of the State. 

Mi: Rheem is a native of Carlisle, Pa., and was 
born on the 12th of April, 183,i, his parents being- 
George W. and Lydia (Updegraff) Rheem, also na- 
tives of the Keytone State. He grew to manhood 
and received his early' education in the schools of 
Carlisle. At a very earlj' age he display-ed unusual 
talent as a musician, and when eight years old sang 
in the church choir of his native town. At the age 
of twenty-one years he went to Boston, Mass., 
where he was placed under the very best teachers 
and pursued his musical studies for two years, at- 
taining great proficiency'. He then returned to 
Carlisle, and was a teacher in the public schools for 



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r j'ears. Tlienee he removed to Reading and 
engaged as a teacher of niiisie. Not being satisfied 
ijE with the prospects in that vicinity he resolved to 
}ic cross the Mississippi, and in 1.S71 went to Chariton, 
I 5 Iowa, and continued as a teacher there also. Two 
}ijp J'ears later he came to Ottumwa, and for a period 
I 5 of ten years thereafter was employed as an instruc- 
tor of music in the pul)lic schools of this city. At 
the expiration of that time he abandoned teaching 
{lie and established his present business, since which 
g time he has given his whole attention to the sale of 
h musical in.struments, of which he carries a full line 
{sF and stands at the head of the business in this lo- 



liS cality. 

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In September, 18!^(), Prof. Rheera secured a pat- 
t eut on the Rheem Accompanist, one of the best 
devices that has ever been produced, and designed 
to assist beginners to pla.y. Following this he or- 
ganized a compan}' for the purpose of its manu- 
facture, which has for its officers the following 
prominent citizens: J. H. Rheera. President; W. 
uc H. Lehman, of Des Moines, Secretary, and R. S. 
Field, Treasurer. The company gives employment 
to five men, and is turning out a goodly number 
of machines. Tiie work is carried on under the 

i oversight of Mr. Rheem and the device may be at- 
tached to any musical instrument. He has been 
employed ten years in perfecting and completing 
it, and has succeeded in producing an attachment 
which will be universally adopted in ever}' house- 
hold wlierever there is an organ or similar instru- 
ment. He deserves great credit for his perse- 
verance and integrit}'. 

Mr. Rheem was married in liis native town 
in Pennsylvania on the .'Jth of April, 1860, 
the maiden of his choice being Miss Fannie A. 
Ritter, a native of the same place. Of this union 
there wei-e born three children: Lillie, the wife of 
R. S. Field, of Ottumwa; Marj', at home, and Jes- 
sie, the wife of W. G. Field, of this citj'. They 
[iji occupy a handsome residence which is finely fitted 
g up, and on every hand gives evidence of taste and 
refinement. Their friends and acquaintances em-"* 
! brace the cultivated and educated people of the 
city. 

Socially Mr. Rheem belongs to the K. T.,and I. O. 
: O. F., and was a representative in the Grand Lodge 



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two years. He is Past Grand Chancellor of the 
K; of P., and assisted to organize the Supreme 
Lodge of the World. ISIr. and Mrs. R. are prom- 
inently- connected witii the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Ottumwa, and are the generous suppor- 
ters of morality, education, and everj'thing which 
tends to elevate tlie standard of religion, education 
and moralit3^ 



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^OHN JOHNSON, a successful farmer of 
Green Township, is pleasantly located on 
section 4, where he owns 340 acres of good 
farming land and is industriously engaged 
in its improvement and cultivation. He is a native 
of Holland, born in 1820, and the son of John and 
Johaima (Degrut) Johnson, natives of the same 
country. He remained with his parents until he 
had attained to manhood, and in 1848 made his 
preparations to sail for the New World. After a 
voyage of seventy-three daj's he landed in New 
Orleans, the trip liaving been made in a sailing-ves- 
sel, the "Albright." It was a very tempestuous voy- 
age, and upon several occasions the passengers and 
crew anticipated a watery grave, but they finally 
arrived in safety and were none the worse for their 
experience, except, perhaps, the loss of valuable 
time. 

After a short time spent in the Crescent Citj% 
Mr. Johnson came up the Mississippi to St. Louis, 
from there to Keokuk, remaining a few da^'s in each 
cit}', and then coming into Wapello County, soon 
afterward located in Green Township, on section 2, 
where he rented a tract of land and became occu- 
pied in its cultivation. He then removed to Rich- 
mond and carried on a farm for Mr. .1. Overman 
for two years, and then rented a farm on section 
3 of Center Township, which he occupied for two 
years and then purchased his present iiomestead. 
He was prospered in his farming pursuits and busi- 
ness transactions, and added to his landed posses- 
sions as time passed and his means accumulated. 
He is now the owner of 340 acres, all improved 
and under a good state of cultivation. This he has 
acquired solely by the exercise of his own energy 
and perseverance, having commenced at the foot 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



of the l.nldcr. without inone^' or friends to whom 
lie coiild Mpply for liiiaiicial aid. 

^Ir. .(ohnsoii was ni.'irricd in his ii:itive country 
in IS II). to Mrs. Cornelia \'endeil(jw, al.«o a native 
(jf Holland, who li.y lier former marriage had lie- 
come the mother of two cliildreu: Cornelius, who 
lives in (ireen 'l'ownshi|i. and Dora, deceased. Hy 
her union with our subject there were born three 
childi-en : Henry, who is conducting a meat mar- 
ket in Ottumwa; Mary M.. the wife of Henry 
'rurnson, of Oreen Township, and Peter, who died 
in infancy. .Mr. and Mr.s. J. arc connected with 
!the Catiiolic Church of Ottumwa. He is Demo- 
cratic in politics and takes that interest which all 
good citizens manifest in the welfare of their towu- 
shil) and county. 

The parents of our subject spent their early lives 
in their native country, and after emigrating to the 
United .States came to Iowa and located in Eddy- 
ville, Wapello County, where the father died in 

R| 18;JI, and the mother ten years later. Both were 

simemlx'rs of the Catholic Chui'ch. 



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plLhlAM (ilFT, a highly respected farmer 
and resident of Green Township, is the pos- 
sessor of a comfortable homestead finely 
locited on section 1 1, where he is carrying on farm- 
ing pursuits after the most imjiroved methods and 
witii success. l)nr subject is a native of Tennessee, 
and was born in Washington County, in 1H2K. His 
parents were .Vdani and Sarah (Smith) (Jift, natives 
respectively of I'enn.sylvania and >Laryland, who 
removed from Washington to Bedford County, Pa., 
when oui' subject was a child of two years old. 
They remained there only a short time, however, 
nd thence went to Alleghany' County, ^Id., where 
the3' remained residents until 18o2. Adam Gift 
eparted this life in Fairfield. Iowa, .Ian. 19, 18(i8, 
t the age of seventy-three ^ears, and the following 
loiith the faithful wife and mother joined her hus- 
1 l)and on the other sliore. They were most excel- 
i upp ; lent and worthy jieople, ujiright and honorable in 
■^-^"^iieir lives, and are held in kindly remembrance 1)3' 
arge circle of friends and acquaintances. 
In the j-ear mentioned William (iift started for 









the West, and having crossed the Mississippi came 
into Iowa, first locating near Fairfield, where he en- 
gaged in farming pursuits, having been reared to 
that occupation. He was thus engaged for the fol- 
lowing thirteen years, and then, in 18ti.5, cariie into 
Wapello County and purcha.sed the tract of land 
which is included in his present homestead, and is 
located on .section 11. In the meantime he was 
married, .Inh' 27, 18.56, to Miss Catherine Walmer. 
a native of W.ayne County, Ohio, and the daugh- 
ter of .Jacob and Sarah (Shney) Walmer. of Leba- 
non County. Pa. Mr. and Mrs. (i. have become 
the |)arents of the following-named children : .Sarah 
Jane is the wife of .lames A. Neil, a farmer of St. 
John County. Kan.; Joseph Walter married Ella 
Dickerson, and is a locomotive engineer, having his 
home in St. Paul, ]\Iinn. ; Charles Wesley is in the 
employ of the N. P. R. R.. and resides in Kansas 
City, Mo.; Pluma B.. Elizabeth, Ada and William 
Ray are at home with their parents. 

iNIr. and iNIrs. Gift are highlj' respected in their 
community and are devoted members of the IMeth- 
odist Episeoiial Church. During the late Civil War 
Mr. Gift served .as a soldier i)i the ;'>Oth Iowa In- 
fantry, two years and ten months, and participated 
with his regiment in the battles of Haines Bluff, 
Arkansas Post, the two battles of .lackson, Miss. ; 
Lookout Mountain, the siege of A'icksburg, Mi.ssion 
Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Kennesaw Mountain, Re- 
saca, and went through the Atlanta campaign. At 
Resaca he received a flesh wound in the neck, aiid 
at the Ijattleof Atlanta was slightly wounded in the 
head. After his honorable discharge from the 
service he returned home and resumed his former 
occupation .as an agriculturist. 

The homestead of Mr. (Tift comprises 238 acres 
of land, mostly improved and under a good state 
of cultivation. When he first took possession it 
was mostlj' in its original condition, and the beau- 
tiful and fertile fields which now greet the ejie 
were mainly brought to their present condition by 
the hand of the jiroprietor, and that which he has 
not performed l)y his own hand, he has closely di- 
rected and superintended. He has lieen wise and 
judicious in the disbursement of funds, and his 
business transactions have been conducted in a 
straightforward manner, while his farming opera- 









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tions have been carried on with that system and 
good order wliich are indispensable in the arrange- 
ment of a comfortable homestead. Since becoming 
a resident of this township he has enjoyed the 
lieart\' and cordial esteem of his neighbors and fel- 
low-citizens, and has been prominent in all their 
councils concerning the general welfare of the com- 
munity. He has been Township Trustee, Road Su- 
pervisor, and a member of the School Board, and 
in all. respects is fulfilling the obligations of a good 
citizen. 

In jmlitics Mr. (iift is a stanch Republican. A 
view of his residence, farm buildings and stock is 
shown on another page. 



ON. WILLIAM Mccormick, a highly re- 
si>ected citizen of Highland T(.)wnship, has 




i born Jan. ijTi 
N. Turner, Kj 




fourteen children, who are recorded as follows 
Lavina was born Aug. 8, 1839. became the wife o 
James Reeves, and died .June 17, 1866. Albert" 
and Melissa were twins; the latter died in infancy 
they were born March 24, 1841, and Albert mar-C^^Hk 
ried Jliss Martha Gray, March 28, 1866; he after- 
ward went to the Black Hills, and when last heard 
of was at Boulder, C'ol. Hezekiah was 
25, 1843, and married Miss Phebe 
June 28, 1866; they live in Jasper Count3^ Iowa; 
John, born March 18, 184.5, was married to Miss 
Sarah Ann Reeves, of Mahaska County, Aug. l!l, 
1868; Jacob, born Oct. !), 1847, married Miss .Sarah I 
E. Dennis, in this county, and they are residents of Li-jr, 
Highland Township; Mary Jane, Jlrs. Knight, of y W 
Highland, was born Oct. 14, 1848; Sarah Maria ^' 

married John A. Deiuiis, but is now a widow;!]: 
Rhoda, born Feb. 10, 18.54, is at home with her ] 
father; William B., born Dec. 29, 1857, is a resident ] 




leen a resident of Wapello Count.y since the of Nebraska; Theodore S., born Jan. 4, 185'j, died ijl^^ 

15. 1860, was mar- fi-^ 
ender, of Highland B, f" 



spring of 1848, when he purchased a farm 
of eight3' acres, which he has occupied since that 
time. He has been prospered in his business and 
farming operations, and douliled his first posses- 
sions so that he now has 160 acres, all of which is 
improved and uuder a good state of cultivation. 
He has held the various offices of his township, 
been Clerk for a luimber of years, and in 1858 was 
a member of the State Legislature. He has been a 
peaceable and law-abiding citizen, never engaged 
in a law suit, and never upon a jury. 

The subject oi this history was born in (tallatin 
County, "Ky., in 1814, and is the s^)n of .lohn and 
Nancy (Cj>x) McCorniick, natives respectively' of 
Maryland and Kentucky. In the spring of 1835, 
they removed from the latter State to McDonough 
County, 111., where our subject remained for the 
following thirteen years, and then became a resi- 
dent of this count}-. 

Mr. McCormick was married to Jliss Klizabeth 
Stevens in 1838. This lad}' was the daughter of 
Jacob and Rhoda Stevens of Kentucky, and was 
born in 1820. After being the faithful and affec- 
tionate companion of her husband for a period of 
forty-eight years, she departed this life on tiie 
I8th of August, 1885. at the age of sixty-live years. 
The home circle was completed by the birth of 



in infancy ; Elizabeth, born Dec 
ried March 12, 1885, to George Bend 
Township; Matilda Catherine was born Jan. 15, 
1863, and lives at home; Chloe, born May 2, 18(55, | 
died in infancy. Mr. McCormick has Ijeena faith- . . . . . 
ful member of the Baptist Church for a period of h } 
twenty-seven j'ears, and politically is a Green 
backer. 



LIAS KITHERMAN,an honored i)ioneer of 
Wapello County, has been a resident of the Jj 3 
Hawkeye State since the spring of 1 843, -B--H 
and in a period of fortj-three years spent in this 
locality has earned the high esteem of his fellow- 
citizens. He has been a man of high moral char- 
acter, upright and honorable in his transactions, 
industrious and enterprising, and possesses all the 
qualities which constitute an honest man and a good 
citizen. The subject of our sketch is a native of 
A'irgiuia, and was born in Franklin County, near 
Richmond, on the 1st day of September, 1809. 
He is the son of Henry and Aiuia (Damer) Kither- 
man, of Beuns^lvania, and his father died in ^'ir- 
ginia, leaving his widow with a familj' of eleven chil- 
dren. Soon after the death of her husband, Mrs. 
K. removed to Indiana and settled in I'eriN' 



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AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Count}', where ?he entered :i tract of wild laud, 
and, with the assijtnnee of her ciiildren, opened up 
a farm in the midst of tlie heav}- timber. She was 
a lady of great energy and business talent, and de- 
termined to keep her little family together, which 
she accomplished. She trained them carefully" to 
honest and wurth}' lives and to habits of industry 
and ecc^nomy, and presented to them an example 
of a sincere and worthj' Christian life. She was 
prominentl}' connected with the United Brethren 
Church, and died upon the hcjmestead which she 
had established in Perrj' Count}-. Of lier large 
family of children only two survive, the subject of 
our sketch and his brother Peter. 

Elias Kitherman was reared among the wilds of 
Indiana, and received his early education in the 
pioneer schools, which were conducted in rude log 
cabins. The first structure wherein he began his 
rudimentary studies was built of round back-logs, 
with puncheon floor and slabs for seats, and one 
end of the floor was occupied by the huge fireplace, 
the chimney being composed of mud and sticks. 
Ill jIll Daylight was admitted through a square place 
W^\ sawed in the logs, with greased paper for window- 
panes, and the school books of those primitive days 
passed from the eldest to the youngest of the fam- 
ily and were perused as long as they would hold 
together, which system was widely different from 
that of the present day with its frequent changes 
of text books. As soon as able Elias Kitherman 
assisted in the labors around the homestead, and 
remained with his mother's family until his mar- 
riage, which occurred in 1 828. The maiden of his 
choice was Miss Sarah Archibald, who bore him 
two children — William, who is now deceased, and 
Mary Ann, who became the wife of Jlartin Kooutz, 
of California. Mrs. Sarah Kitherman only re- 

fmained the companion of her husband for three 
-jtjj years, dying in 1831. Mr. K. for his second wife 
']\ married Miss Lydia Kedman. and of this union 
there were born four children : Sarah, the wife of 
" Alfred liowlaud, of Highland Township, Uapello 
County; Nancy, married to Jefferson Thompson, 
also of this county; John, a resident of Mitchell 
County, Kan., and (George A\'., of Ottuniwa. 

In 1842 Mr. Kitherman removed from Indiana 
to Bureau County, 111., wiiere he spent the winter, 




and the following spring came to "\Va|iello County, 
and located in Dahlonega Township, where he en- 
tered a claim and commenced the opening nj) of a 
farm. He had previously learned the trade of a 
blacksmith, and he now worked alternately upon 
the farm and in the blacksmith-shop, and was the 
first man to build a shop of the kind in the town- 
ship of Dahlonega. In early manhood he exhibited 
those traits of character which afterward earned 
for him so thoroughly the respect and confidence oi 
his associates. He was well informed and intelli- 
gent and kept himself posted upon general matters 
of interest. He was elected the first Justice of 
the Peace in Dahlonega Township, serving four 
years, and was intrusted with other local offices. 

Mrs. Lydia Kitherman dejjarted this life in Ot- 
tuniwa in 187.'). She was a most estimable Chris- 
tian lad}-, and highly respected by all who knew her. 
Her kindness of heart was proverbial, and it was 
remarked of her that she was always seeking to do 
a kind action. Her name is held in kindly remem- 
brance by a wide circle of friends and acquaint- 
ances, and also by numbers of those to whom her 
inherent charity and benevolence had been of 
gTeat assistance. The third marriage of Mr. Kith- 
erman took place on the 19th of November, 187ti. 
the lady of his choice being Miss Kate Cooper, of 
Illinois. They occupy a handsome residence in 
Ottumwa, and are surrounded by all the comforts 
and many of the luxuries of life in a home which 
possesses all the appliances of c\dtivated tastes and 
ample means. 

When Mr. Kitherman first came to Wajiello 
County he was obliged to have his milling done at 
Bonaparte, in Van Buren County, the ti'ip fre- 
quently consuming a week's time. He commenced 
life at the foot of the ladder and has climbed up to 
his present position solely through his own efforts 
and the inheritance of enterprise and industry trans- 
mitted to him by his excellent and worthy ])arents. 
In the old pioneer days he was sometimes comi)elled 
to work for twenty-five cents per week, but was 
always disjjosed to make the best of circumstances 
and do the very best he could, whatever might be 
the ditliculties by which he was surrounded. 

Mr. Kitherman cast his first vote for Amlrew 
Jackson and subsequently affiliated with the \\'liig 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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party, and when the latter was abandoned b}' the 
substitution of the new Republican party, he eor- 
diallj' supported the principles of the latter and 
has unifornil}- cast his vote in their support since 
th;il time. lie is now living in tlie enjoyment of 
the fruits (if his earlier toil, and looRs back with 
satisfaction over a well-spent and honorable life. 



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11. TIN DELL, a prosperous and skillful 
farmer and stock-grower, of Richland 
Vi\ Township, owns and occupies a valuable 
^0'. homestead on section '27. He was born in 
Knox County, Tenn., .Jan. 30, 1821, and is the son 
of Nathan and Margaret (Ross) Tindell. In 1829 
his parents removed from Tennessee to Indiana, 
where the}' lived until 1848, when they came to 
Wapello County and settled upon the place which 
now constitutes the home of our subject. In 1856 
they removed from the farm into the city of 
Ottumwa and retired from active labor. The 
father died there in 1802, and the mother in 1880, 
and they are lioth buried in Ottumwa Cemetery. 

The subject of this sketch came to Wapello 
Count}' with his parents and has lived upon the 
present or an adjoining farm since that time. In 
1852 he was married to Miss Angeline .Sloan, who 
was born in McMinn Count}', Tenn., March 17, 
1819, and is the daughter of .lames and Nancy 
(McCartney) Sloan. Her father died in Tennessee 
in 1819. Her mother removed to Illinois in 1840, 
and spent the remainder of her days in McDonuugh 
County. 

Mr. and Mrs. Tindell are the parents of four 
children, as follows: Margaret, who was born Nov. 
20, 1852, is the wife of Franklin Wright; and 
Ellen, born Aug. 2. 1854, married Harvey Millard; 
both live in Clarke County, Iowa; Nina F., liorn 
Feb. 25, 1858, was married .July 2(i. I,s79, to .lanna 
Dairy ni pie. The latter was born in Hunterdon 
County, N. .1., .Ian. 27, 185(1. He moved to Mc- 
Donough County. 111., in February, l.s7s, and 
came to this county in .September following. The 
parents of Mr. Dalrymple are natives of New 
Jei-sey; his father was liorn .Tan 4, |."<22. uu<l died 



a 




May 3, 1885, in New Jersey. The mother was fi 
born .Tan. 6, 1834, and is still living in her native i 
.State. .Mr. Dalrymple, Sr., was a blacksmith I)}' 
trade but the last years of his life were spent upon 
a farm. Both parents were members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. The eldest child of Jlr. 
and Mrs. Dalrymple was Iva E., born .Tuly 1, 1880, 
and died March 20, 1882; Lola A. was born' Feb. 
12, 1883; Rule E. was born .June 12, 188(;. Mrs. 
D. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; 
Mr. D., in politics, uniformly votes the Republican 
ticket. Amelia A. Tindell, the fourth child of our 
subject, born April 3, 1860, is the wife of Edward 
.Tenks and lives in Clarke County, Iowa. 

Mr. Tindell is the owner of 198 acres of valuable 
farming land with a good house and barn and all 
necessary out-buildings, which are kept in good 
repair and correspond with the general neat aspect 
of the homestead. Our subject has been pronunenl 
in the local affairs of his township for many years, 
having held the olttces of Road .Su})ervisor, Town- 
ship Ti'ustee and School Director. He and his 
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and in politics Mr. T. uniformly casts his 
vote with the Republican party. A fine litho- 
graphic view of the Tindell homestead is given in 
connection with this biography. 

EX. ANTHONY ROBINSON, a i)ioneer 
preacher of Wapello County, first opened 
his eyes to the light in Orange County, N. 
pC, on the 15th of April, 1810. His par- 
ents were William and Sarah (Scott) Robinson; the M 
former was born in "Old Virginia" in 1790, and Hi 
died in May, 1855, in Indiana; tlie mother was a f 
native of Maryland, born in 1777, and only sur- 
vived her husband until the next year, departing 
this life in 185(;. While yet young they both be- 
came residents of North Carolina and were there 
married, becoming the parents of one child only, the 
subject of our sketch. The mother, before her 
marriage to William Robinson, had become the 
wife of .Toshua Underwood and the mother of a son 
and tlaughter, both of whom are now deceased. 
In ISK; William Robinson emigrated with his 




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490 



AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



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family from North Carolina to the Territory of 
Indiana, locating in Davis County, near \\'ashing- 
tun, which was then the connty scat. They re- 
mained there for four years and then moved to 
(Jreene County, where thej- located upon a tract of | 
uucultivated land and commeuced the improve- 
ment and cultivation of a farm. After a season of 
laborious toil, ami just as Mr. Robinson had accu- 
mulated suHicient means to enter the land for pur- 
chase, another part}' slipped in before him and se- | 
cured it. In the meantime, 3Ir. K. had also made 
a claim in another part of the county, upon which 
he remuved with his family- and established a per- j 
b 3 manent home. At that time the country was a vast 
W K, wilderness, peopled only by a few scattering Indi- 
ans who were encamped upon what was known as 
the New Purchase, and they did not see the face of 
a white man, frequently for weeks at a time. 

The first purchase of Mr. Robinson included 1(50 
acres, to which he added from time to time until 
he became an extensive landed proprietor and the 
owner of nearly 400 acres. He was also a carpen- 
ter and joiner by trade, very industrious and enter- 
prising, and allowed no time to run to waste. His 
mechanical skill saved him every 3'car the outlay 
,1 of hundreds of dollars, and in time he accumulated 
a fine property. He was strictly upright in his 
business dealings and prompt in meeting his obliga- 
tions, and no man could saj' that William Robin- 
son was indebted to him or refused to pay. Polit- 
ically he affiliated wath Ihe Whig party, and was a 
great admirer of Henry Claj-. He and his excel- 
lent lady were active members of the Methodist 
Church for many years, and contributed of their 
means for the promotion of education and moral- 
ity. Mr. R, regularly attended the religious meet- 

ings of his church, whether formal or informal, and 

} K was one of the pillars upon whom the brethren 
^ '^tj leaned for aid and counsel. 

The subject of our sketch was a child a little 

: I more than six j-ears old when his parents removed 

from North Carolina to the Territory of Indiana. 

For three mouths in the j'ear he attended the pio- 

H^Ssj'ieer schooP in the log cabin, and during the suni- 

ii mer seasons assisted his (tarents in the lighter la- 

jl bors of the homestead. He yet distinctly remem- 

lers the school building of liis childhoud days. It 





_=— _ *;tl 

was built of round logs, 12x10 feet in dimensions, 3:i 

and durinar the first winter the only floor within it s ri 

was the trodden groun 



tending across one end 

"cattle clav."' The writinu-desks 



d. The huge fireplace ex- S'lj 
I was built of what was called Jli 



and seats were ; n 

made of slabs supported by poles placed in holes in |ti 

the wall, and the square ))lace sawed out of the logs, a*;' 

which served as a window, was supplied with panes Sgi 

of greased paper. This cabin was afterward closed 3[r 

against school jjurposes, and the children of the ^i\ 

a large log house in j; i 

Bloomtield, the county seat, where a gentleman by 3' j 



pioneers were provided with 



the name of Cushman erected a more comfortalilc S? 
structure and conducted the school. He was w( 
educated, possessed more than ordinary ability as Bjjj 



an instructor, and was a man 
acter. 



if fine Christian ciiar- 



Youug Robinson was fou<l of his books, pursued jji' 



his studies faithfully, improved his 
and succeeded in 



opportunities 1 J:-? 



acquiring a liberal education, ajjfj 
He had already selected his profession in life, and sP 
when eighteen years of age was baptized by Rev. S| 
John Strang, then Presiding Elder of the \incennes 
District. He then began to study for the ministry, 
and was often employed as a local exhorter. and Bif 
gave indications in earlj' life of the talents which ; } 
have since distinguished him. At the age of twenty- ;: 
six he entered the Indiana Cf)nference and contin- s: 
ned in that conference and work ftir twenty-one E,: 
years, with remarkable success. In the meantine :t; 
he had charge of the Mt. \'ernon Circuit, which in- : 
eluded all the territory between the Ohio and ^\'a- :; 
bash Rivers for a distance of about twenty' miles. Sf 
Within the space of two years, under the ministra- : 
tions of himself and Rev. Stephen Ravenscroft, 
there were 1,400 persons taken into the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and many others who had been 
converted under their preaching joined other 
churches. They wound up the last j-ear with a 
camp-meeting which, opening on Frida}". closed the 
following Tuesday, and it was said there were only 
two persons at this last meeting who were not pro- 
fessed followers of Christ, there having been 100 
converts since it opened. 

After leaving Mt. \crnou Rev. Roljuison was ki- 
cated at N'inceunes, Ind., for two years, and was 
vcr3' successful, being sent thence to Point Com- 



HIE 



inerce, in Gi-eene County, lu 1845 he was sta- 
tioned at Bloomiugton, Ind., and appointed Pre- 
siding Elder, which office he held for the four suc- 
ceeding years. He held eight camp-meetings in 
one year and also filled vacancies in Vincennes, 
Evansville and other towns. In 1857, his parents 
being both deceased, and the parents of his wife 
being residents of Iowa, he also concluded to lo- 
cate in the Hawliej^e State, and bj' his request was 
transferred from the Indian.i Conference, being 
stationed at Ottumwa, and held his first meeting in 
this citj\ He was stationed here for two 3'ears, and 
then had chai'ge of Blakesburg Circuit, thereafter 
the Agency City Circuit, and in ISGO went to Mt. 
Pleasant, having been appointed Presiding Elder of 
the Burlington District. At the close of four j-ears 
spent in Iowa, he was appointed to ilt. Pleasant Cir- 
cuit, and then traveled a year and a half, being 
thereafter appointed bj' Bishop Janes to ]\It. Pleasant 
District to fill a vacancy caused by the decease of 
Rev. David Worthington. Afterward he was sent 
to the Middletowu Circuit two years, Wiufield Cir- 
cuit two years, Canaan three j'ears, Dahlonega two 
years, and Batavia one j'ear. His health then be- 
gan to fail, and at the conference of 1883 he was 
kindh' placed on the superannuated list, being 
broken down, but holding a membership in the 
conference. 

After fortj'-seven j-ears of continued labor in the 
ministry. Rev. Authonj' Robinson, now at the age 
of sevent3--six years, is taking a well-earned rest 
from active labor. He was possessed of more than 
ordinary abilitj', and cheerfully gave his time and 
his talents ff)r the Master's cause. He has fought 
a good fight, and feels that he has done his work 
well in proportion to the light that was given him. 
He is an Abolitionist in principle, and has been an 
earnest temperance worker, having exerted his in- 
fluence whenever possible against the evil of spirit- 
uous liquors. 

Rev. Anthonj- Robinson was united in marriage 
with Miss Mar3- Ann Hammond, in \\arrick 
County', Ind., on the 7th of October, l^.'iiS. Jh;^. 
Robinson is a native of Bowling (ireen, Ky., her 
birth occurring on the 2Gth of .Inly, l.s21. Their 
union was blest by tbe birth of six children, all liv- 
ing except one: Mar^- R. became the wife uf Rev. 




J. W. McDonald, a minister of the IMethodist Epis- 
ccjpal Church, now stationed at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa ; 
Sarah W. married T. J. Zollers, of Denver, Col. : 
Martha became the wife of Rev. Edward E. Schrei- 
ner, of Centerville, Iowa, also a Methodist minis-R^^ 
ter: William T. is located at Conception, Chili, 
8. A., engaged as a missionary and teacher, and went 
out under Bishop Taylor; Edward A. is an attorney 
at law of Ottumwa. 






m 

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'rryyT^.^ P. SPILMAN, ex-Sheriff of Wapello County, 
is a native of Decatur County, Ind., and was 
born Jan. 11, 184.5. He is a snn of J. 1). 
and Amelia (Perceval) Spilman, natives of Ken- 
tucky. Mr. Spilman of this notice was reared and 
educated in his native count}', where he attended 
the common schools, worked on his father's farm, 
and continued to reside until the breaking out of [i 
the Civil War. On attaining his sixteenth year } 

and almost at the verv beginning of the war (Uir r,s= , 

subject enlisted in Co. B, 52d Ind. A ol. Inf.. as ;t(::'^ 



11 



1 






11 



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private, and went f(^rth to battle for the perpetuity 
of his country's flag. He |)articipated in the fight 
at Donelson, also in that of Shiloh. and the 
bloodj' battle of Nashville. In October, l.sc;;, he 
was discharged on account of disability-. Return- 
ing home he soon afterward assisted in raising a 
company, which became known as Co. A, 14i'ith 
Ind. Vol. Inf., of which our subject was elected |1!Me 
Captain and subsequently was promoted JMajor. 
He was in the armj' of the Shenandoah \'alle3' and 
continued with his regiment until the close of the 
war, receiving an honorable discharge. 

In the spring of ISCiCi .Maj. Spilman came to 
Ottumwa, and in the neighliorhiMxl of this city en- 
gaged in farming. He was elected Sheriff of 
Wapello Count.v in 1 s7.">. and re-elected in 187."), 
serving fi>ur years. He is Republican in politics 
and held the otHce of Sheriff by the votes of that 
party. In tiie spring of 1 sso Maj. S|)ilinan was 
employed as agent for the large packing-liouse of 
.lohn Morrill t\r Co. 

Maj. Spilman was married at ()ttuniwa. Sept. H'. 
l.sfJG. to Miss .\lniira Randel. a daughter of Ben- 
jamin R. Randel, of Indiana. She was born in 



II 






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492 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



1 S48. and has borne our subject three children — 
Thomas H.^ John M. and Ma<Jgie. During the 
years 187(!-77 Maj. Spilman was Chairman of the 
Hepublican County Central Committee. He i.s a 
.self-made man in every respect the word implies, 
and has gained many friends in Ottumwa and 
throughout the State by his straightforward and 
manly dealings with his fellow-man, as well as 
strict integrity. Socially he is a member of the 
(1. A. R., belonging to Cloutman Post at Ottumwa, 
and is also a member of the L O. O. F. 





/REDEKICK LAWRENCE BACPLMAN, a 

prosperous and enter|)rising (lerman of 
/X^ Green Township, is comfortably located on 

section 30, and successfully engaged in the i)eaee- 
ful pursuits of agriculture. His liirthplaco was in 
the Electorate of Hesse-Cassel in the northern part 
of (Tennany, and he first oi)ened his ej^es to the 
light on the 26th of April, IKl;'). His parents were 
Charles and Elizabeth (Reinhard) Bachmau, and 
they spent their early lives in their native country, 
emigrating to the United States in the latter part 
of 1837, on a sailing-vessel, the "Copernicus," 
\vhich carried a cargo of wheat, and sixty-five pas- 
sengers. After a tedious voj'age of ten weeks they 
landed in Baltimore Jan. 10, is.'i.s, with a family 
of six children, and during that same winter made 
the trip .across the Alleghany Mountains in wagons 
to Muskingum County, Ohio, where they bought a 
farm near Taylorsville, and there the mother died 
in 1 847, at the age of thirty-nine years. The father 
subsequently married and moved to \Vapello 
Count}-, Iowa, in 186.5, where he lived until his 
death, which took place about Us72,in his seventy- 
first year. The parents were both connected with 
the Lutheran Church, and carried out in their 
daily lives those principles of honor and integrity 
which they carefully sought to instill within tlie 
hearts of their children. 

Our subject was twenty-two years of age when 
he came to America, and with his |)arents and fam- 
ily proceeded to \\'heeling, \\ . \'a., where they 
staid eight days, and then hired a team to tiike 
them to Muskingum County, Ohio. He remained 



:P 



with his p.irents two years and at the expiration of : ?• 
this time removed to Zanesville, where lie lived for : 
a period of nine years, engaged in operating; an : 
oilmill. From there he moved across the .Missis- : J; 
sipi)i into AVapello Count3% Iowa, and purchaseil a : '^ 
farm of 200 acres, where he established a peinian- : ; 
ent home, and upon which he has remained since : ;: 
that time. He was the first settler in this immedi- : 
ate vicinit}-, and there were no farms or roads 3'et ; 
laid out. He first put up a log cabin 18x20 feet, ; 
in which he settled and lived luitil IS62. when lie : 
built a more pretentious dwelling, which he still - 
occupies. At that time the present city of ()t- : 
tnmwa was comjiosed of only a few log cabins, ; 
and upon his first trip to the town he carried iii« l 
ax along and cut a road for his team through the ^ 
woods and underbush. In contrasting the past ; 
with the present he reviews the interval with pleas- ■ 
u re and satisfaction. The Indian trail of the wil- \ 
derness has given place to the magnificent system : 
of railroads, and the primitive ox-team to the : 
snorting iron horse, while the rude implenu'nts of : 
agriculture have been replaced liy more expedi- : 
tious farm machinery,' a large part of this great : 
change being due to the brave old jjioneers who : 
first courageousl}' ventured into the Western wilds : 
to make way for the l_ater civilization. 

Three years after he became a citizen of the _ 
United States, on the 21st of June, 1840, Mr. Bach- : 
man was united in marriage with Miss .Susanna : 
Spangler. of Westmoreland County, I'a. She w.as : 
born Feb. 20, 1820, and is the daughter of George : 
and Barbara (Rose) Spangler, both natives of West- 3i 
moreland County, and whose p.arents emigrated " 
from Wnrtemberg, Germany, at an early day and ; 
settled in Fennsylvania. Her parents emigi-ated 3 
from Westmoreland County to Ohio, where they " 
became farmers and spent the remainder of their : 
lives. Of the union of our subject and wife eleven 3 
<-liildren were born, the record being as follows: j 
Maria is the wife of Alexander JIartin, of this : 
county ; Charles W.. who married .Sarah .1. Kent, '- 
and after her death married her sister, Rebecc;i. = 
also deceased, is a resident of Adams Township: l 
Susanna is the wife of William P. Powell, of An- : 
derson County, Kan.; Augusta Louisa married ; 
Isaac .N. Brown, of Holt County, Neb.; John I'. 



9 xxx»gxiiiiiJLi-i i-«-i_xia i 
3 niiir rimiin riTixTT 



^ f^^'^'r -r' 




i 

I 

Si 



m 

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I 
I 



married Mary Reinhard, and is a resident of Green 
Township; Loretta is the wife of Harrison AVell- 
raan, of Douglas Count}', Kan. ; Ileury L. married 
Sarah E. Balier, and is a resident of Adams Town- 
ship; Samuel is a Nevada ranchman; George was a 
machinist by trade, and died in Nevada in June, 
1882, aged twenty-five years; Rosa is the wife of 
Michael Heckert, of Green Township; Frederick 
married Armilda Overturff, and is :i resident of 
Davis County, Iowa. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bachnian are prominent members 
of the Lutheran Church, to which the}- contribute 
liberally and cheerfull}^ Mr. Bachman has been 
prominently connected with the affairs of his town- 
ship for a third of a century. He is a Democrat in 
politics, and has held the office of Jusfice of the 
Peace for twenty-four j'^ears. He has enjoyed in a 
marked degree the confidence of his fellow-towns- 
men, and has been honored with man}' offices by 
them. A view of Mr. Baehraan's home is shown 
on another page of this work. 



li 






M 
P 



I ,5 

il 

\i 

V 'P 

I 
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-^ ^^ ^ 

eHARLES F. HARROW, an early pioneer of 
Wapello County, was born in Bracken 
County, Ky., in September, 1800, and is 
consequently nearly rounding up the last half of a 
century of life. He grew to manhood in his native 
State, and was married within its boundaries, in 
Fleming County, to Miss Gracie Fraue, in 1821. 
They located in Montgomery County, remaining 
there for the following twelve years, and then re- 
moved north into Indiana, where they remained 
for ten years. In 1842 Mr. Harrow concluded to 
go into the country beyond the Mississppi and, 
coming into Wapello County, Iowa, purchased a 
large tract of land in the immediate vicinity of 
where the city of Ottumwa now stands. He was 
one of the first County Commissioners, and promi- 
nently identified with the interests of this section 
from the start. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Har- 
row included ten children, of whom only three are 
living: John (i.,of California; Loviua, the wife of 
Quiucy A. Wood, of Creston, Iowa, and Mary A., 
who married John Hardin, of Agenc:y City. 

Fr:uici,> M. Harruw, a son of llie subject of our 



Hiirrtor 

Bi'u 



..ixir mTTiii tx nrTTTT Traxxrxxi 



- iTTrtTiTTiTirTixx rr 



t»iTi»r»i^ 'f^TTTTXTTTTl 





11 



sketch, was born in Kentucky in 1826, and was a 
youth of eighteen years old when his parents came 
to Iowa. He was married in Ottumwa, Feb. 18, 
1852, to Miss Harriet F. Humphrey, and they be- 
came the parents of three children, two of wiiom ! 
are living: Albert (4., of Ottumwa, and Frances M., 
married to F. M. Hunger, of Little Rock, Ark. Fran- 
cis M. Harrow died on the 1st of October, 1855, and 
his wife on the 2d of February, 1864. The latter 
was a devoted member of the ^Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Harrow politically affiliated with the [ I 
Whig party. 

-^V ■.o«o.(^<^..o»o <,^- 



if? T. BAKER, a successful farmer and stock- Pi; [[ 
ll (@ grower, will be found industriously engaged 
'Ik^ in his chosen occujwtion on his fine farm 
on section 35, Richland Township. Our subject 
was born in Warrick County, Ind., March 10, 1824, 
and is the son of John and Mary (Johnston) Baker. 
•His father, who vvas a farmer by occupation, came 
to Wapello County in the spring of 1844, and died 
here in 1863; his widow survived him six years, 
her death taking place in this county in l.sGll. 

L. T. Baker, when a youtli, learned the trade d 
a wool-carder and was an expert in running carding- iiL 
machines. In the fall of 1844 he came to this J 
county and followed his occupation for eight l| 
years, since which time he has been engaged in jl 
farming. \ 

Oct. 14, 1.S47, Mr. Baker was united in marriage _ 
with Jane Hill. Mis. B. is a native of England, 
born June 15, 1826, and a daughter of John and 
Ann Hill. Her parents came to this cuuntry fvv)u 
England in 1846, proceeding to Chicago, where 
they remained two years, and from tiiere came to 
Wapello County, where they spent the remainder 
of their lives, the father dying Nov. 24, 1882, and 
the mother July 30, 1883. Six children were born 
of the union of (jur subject and wife: William J., 
born July 4, liS4s, married Emma .1. Harris, and is 
now living in Ottumwa ; Sarah A., born Aug. :), 
1850, is the wife of 1). W. Terrell, and livi'> in 
West X'irginia; John 11.. born Feb. 22, 1.S52. 
married Sarah I. Akins, and is living in Richland 



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494 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



Township; Minerva J., l)oni June 5, 1855, is the 
widow of D. S. Akins, and lives in this township; 
Frank D., born Oct. 24, I SCO; Kunice M., March 
20, 1870. 

Mr. Baker is the owner of 200 acres of well- 
improved land. Himself and wife are members in 
good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Politically- he is a Democrat. A view of the resi- 
dence and surroundings of Mr. Haker is shown on 
another page of this work. 



j passed on his father's farm in Hocking County,: o^ 
Ohio, and it was there that he received what <>(Iii-; 
cation he possesses, in the common school>. lli 
was united in marriage with Miss Hannah R. Butin.: fq 
March 15, 1838. She was born Eel). 2.3. isis. in: 'al 

; New York, and is the daughter of Abraham ;ind: ' 



I ^i 



^^^ E. 3IYEHS, residing on section 35, Cass 
II (— ^ Township, where he is successfully engaged 
^^J! in the occupation of a farmer and stock- 
raiser, was born in Harrison County, W. Va., 
March 27. isi;>. The jiarents of our subject, John 
P. and Sujanna (Tiller) Myers, were natives of 
^'irginia, and of German descent. They had eleven 
eliildrcu. of whom the record is as follows: Eliza- 
lieth is the widow of .lames Duffy, a former resi- 
dent and farmer of Polk Township; G. E., our 
subject, was the next in order of birth; Mary be- 
came the wife of Peter Kll, ;uid tliej- have both 
crossed the river to the home beyond; David is a 
fai'mer in ^^13^16 C'ountj% Iowa : Canzady is de- 
ceased ; Henry is farming in Hocking County, 
Ohio: Jesse is deceased: Lucinda is the widow of 
Harrison Hornback, a farmer of Tama City, Iowa; 
Emanuel is deceased; John is likewise deceased, 
and Hester is living with our suliject. 

In the fall of 1820 the father of these children 
moved with his famil}' to Eairfield County, Ohio, 
'['iiere he rented a farm, and with his children was 
industriously occupied in agricultural pursuits un- 
til 1830. During that year he moved to Hocking 
Conntj', Ohio, and purciiased 1(J0 acres of laiul. 
the same being well im|)roved, and on wliich he 
continued to I'cside until his death, in about I.s43. 
He was connected with the Presbyterian Church. 
The n)ntiier died the year after their removal there, 
in 1X31. She was a member of tlie 3Iethodist 
Episcopal Church, aiul a kind. lo\ ing. consistent 
Christian lady. 

The earl}' years of the life of oui- ~id)ject were 



■■■■' t-^HHCT _ 




} ^.JrJ^.J^???rp?r?-gT^ 



^^^^^^^^^^^^ 



Olive (Coleman) Butin, the former a native i>\'- ^ 



The union ai:W 



Holland and the latter of New York 
of Mr. and Mrs. Mj^ers has been productive ofnjjjj 
seven children, as follows: Alvira E., born .luucE ^■ 
12, 1839, became the wife of John Swope, and is; ,j 
now deceased; Abraham, born Nov. 3, l,s42, died: k 
December 19 following; Sarah J.. Iiorn .June I,; '^ 
1844, died Sept. 26. 1845; Emma J., born t)ct. \i\,l\ 
1848, died Sept. 22, 1850; Emily V., born Aug.q,!} 
•2^, 1851, died Sept. 18, 1852; Ella M.. born Sept.|i':j 
2, 1854, died March 23, 1856; George I), was born: ;,l[ 

Nov. 3, 1859. r:;] 

In 1844 the subject of this notice emigrated from : ijj 

Ohio to Iowa, making the trip overland with teams,: ,'! 

. . . : ■■' 

occupying thirt\'-one da3's" time. Arriving in this : }] 

count}' he purchased eight}' acres of uncultivated :jH 

land, on which he erected the log cabin comni(iu:t}j 

to the pioneers of that da}'. Into this he moved : ^^ 

with his family, and at once began the improve-:]; 

ment of his land, with the determination of making: \ 

it the future abiding-place of himself anil fami!\ . ; [j 

He had great faith in the future development of : !; 

the country, and his judgment proved correct. He : :j 

has lived to see the broad, vnicultivated waste 

transformed to smiling meadows and fields of 

growing grain, and the log cabin of the pioneer re- l\ 

placed by the handsome and convenient farm resi- 1\ 

deuces. Mr. Myers added to his original purchase Sf 

until he now has a fine farm of 187 acres, all fenced, J: 

and the major portion under an advanced state of at 

tultivatioii. He has one of the tinest rock quarries 5; 

1,: 

on his farm to be found anywhere within the ; ; 
boundaries of this great commonwealth, and every- : ,4j 
thing on tlie premises is indicative of li is energy ;:\| 

and o-ood indonicnt. : u 

: i] 
On the 2.")d day of February, ISS,). our subject: p; 

: Id 

was called to the death-beil of his loved com pan- : ' 

' h 

ion. She iia.>sed away with jjcace and contentment : h 
on lier countenance, believing she was entering tlic : '■: 
liouic where .xirrow ;nul pain would trouble hci' iio : 
more. .Mrs. Myers was a consistent Christian lad\ . 



::ii 
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lljcholding fellowship with the Methodist Episcopal 



ilEChuroh. 

\S 111 I'^^fi^ our subject was elected t'uuuty Super- 
i is visor, and has held various other township offices, 
l^Sin all of which he acquitted himself to the satisfac- 
*^tiou of all concerned. He is at present Township 
iJIgTrustee, having been the incumbent of that office 
iJfor upward of five years. Politically he is a Dem- 
i^ocrat, and seldom fails to cast his vote with that 
liBparly when opportunity' occurs. 
i^ Mr. Myers was enrolled in the .State militia when 
ilieighteen years old, and the following year was 
i3fielected Lieutenant, which commission, issued by 
i^fiov. Robert Lucas, he holds to-day. He was af- 




3iiriDcxnTimmmixrixi 



TTrrxTxr' Mrmiixxrrxxxrxrxinir 



jterward elected Captain, but his term of service 
iwas so near at a close that he never asked for his 
] commission. 



4^W 



-^ 



1 



¥ 



ILLIAM E. CHAMBERS, senior partner of 
the law firm of Chambers A McElroy, of 
Ottumwa, Iowa, was born in Darrtown, 
Butler Co., Ohio,-on the 7th of June, lS4f;. fie 
j incompleted his school studies at Earlham College, 
iSaKiclini"iiil! Iiid., and commenced the study of law 
i??with Hon. Jesse Liddell, of that city, in 1866. The 
ifS following year, his parents having removed to 
{jE Eaton, Ohio, he returned there and entered the 
}?cofflce of Judge A. L. Harris, where he completed 

bar in 



I^rlhis law course, and was admitted to the 
Mi-Afnv iscf) In June following he came to Ot 



|i;sMay. 1S6!). 
jfiStimnva, and commenced the practice of his profes- 
iftjcsion. In 1.S70 he liecame associated in partnership 
[iiwith Hon. A. II. Hamilton, and they operated to- 
J=:-figether until the retirement of Mr. H. f rom practice, 
\Wm 1.S7.3, and Mr. Chambers then became associated 
^^Swith E. E. McElroy, the firm being now Chambers 
{itiV McElroy. Mr. Chambers has l)een a close stu- 
Jj^dent and an extensive reader, and has given his 
{^Sentire attention to the duties of his profession. As 
J San advocate he is able and eloquent, and in counsel 
{isthe firm ranks witli the strongest of the ])rofession 
{^(Ein this locality. 

j!iS The wife of our subject was formerly Miss Nan- 
ijSnie A. Munsim, a lady of fine education and ac- 
^ICconiiilishmenls. and who was Principal of one of 




the city schools of Ottumwa. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
C. jfi'e gi'eatly respected in this community, and en- 
joj" the friendship and association of its most 
cultured jieojile. 

E. S. RUBEL is a farmer and stock-grower 
on section 3, Richland Township. He was 
born in AVashington County, Tenn., Nov. 
16. 1843, and is a son of Henry W. and 
JNIargaret (Walter) Rubel, both of whom were na- 
tives of Tennessee. Mr. Rubel is of German de- 
scent. His great-grandfather, Peter Rubel, came 
from Bavaria, Germany, in 1760, and settled in 
Frederick County, Md., where he married Cathariiie 
AVirt, March 19, 1770; these were the parents of 
Henry Rubel, who was born Sept. 23. 1776. In 
1798 Peter Rubel and family moved to AVashing- 
ton County, Tenn, where, in 1 800, Henry married 
Miss Barbara Hunter. The 3'oungest child but one 
born to these parents was Henry AA^irt, whose 
birth occurred May 9, 18-21, and who was married 
to Miss Margaret AA'alter, Jan. 26. 1843. 

AH of the brothers and sisters having left Ten- 
nessee the care of the aged parents devolved upon 
Henry AA'., who with his family moved upon anil 
occupied the old homestead, in 18.53. In 18,58 tlic 
famii}' came to AVapello County, Iowa. The grand- 
parents dying soon afterward, were buried at Mt. 
Pleasant, Iowa, where also was buried their son, 
John Rubel, a pioneer Methodist preacher, who 
died there in 1836. Henr}- Rubel w.as wideh- 
known in AVashington .and .adjoining counties in 
Tennessee as a local preacher and exhorter of the 
Methodist Church. 

At the time the family moved to Wapello 
Count}' the subject of this sketch was but fifteen 
3'ears of age. He continued with his p.arents until 
the death of the mother, which occurred in 1863; 
the father surviving some 3'ears, and dying in 
Bates County, Mo., in 187k. On Dec. 2.5,186.'), 
E. S. Rubel wiis united in m.arriage with Miss Jane 
Bennett, who was born in Hocking Count}', Ohio, 
in 1847, and w.as the daughter i>f DeWitt and Sarah 
Bennett. Three children were born to tliis union — 
Albert S., AVilbur D. and Lucy B. .Mrs. Jane Ru- 




k.^^'. 



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i;i6 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 






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liel died March G, 187-t, and Sept. 2, 1877, Mr. 
Ruliel as;aiii married, choosintf a.-^a c(>nii>aiiion Miss 
Siisnii A. Nccr. horn in Clarke Connty, Ohio, Sept. 
21, KS4!), and daughter of Isaiah and .\nn (Laffer- 
ty) iS'eer. To tiiis union four children have been 
bom: Ross X., who died in infancj'; Maggie I)., 
Chester W. and W.-dter <t. Mr. l{iibel has been 
successful in his stock-raising, and is also engaged 
in dairying to a limited extent. He is also breed- 
ing graded Ilolstein cattle. lie owns 148 acres of 
land, all of which is in a high state of cultivation. 
( )n the farm is a c(jmfortal)le dwelling, a good barn, 
and all the accessories of a wfll-regnlated stock and 
giain farm. 

Mr. Kuliel is Clerk of the School Board, having 
been elected in 187(5, serving continuousl}' ever 
since, and is at present serving his second term as 
Township Clerk. During the late war he enlisted 
in Co. B, .SCth Iowa Vol. Inf.. Aug. 4, 1862. After 
eight months" service he was discharged on account 
of sickness and returned home. Regaining his 
health he again enlisted in the same compau}' and 
regiment, and served till the close of the war. He 
was in (ien. Steele's expedition from Little Rock, 
-Vrk., to the Red River, and was taken prisoner at 
Mark's Mills, Ark., and held some months at Camp 
I'ord, Tyler, Tex. With three others he at one 
time succeeded in escaping from the prison, but 
after traveling fort}' miles was recaptured with 
blood-hounds. He was exchanged at the mouth of 
Red River, Feb. 2;'), 18G5, and mustered out and 
discharged at Davenport, Iowa, in September, 
18()a. jNIr. and .Mrs. Rubel are members of the 
Methodist Kpiscoi)al Church, and politically our 
•-nliject is a Republican. 




-S>!^- 



-«^5«f-> 



ON. JAMKS R. BURGESS, Representative 
of the Sixth District in the Lower House of 
the Iowa Legislature, is one of its j'oungest 
members and a gentleman of marked abil- 
=^5, it}', both in business transactions and a general 
[Jf knowledge of current events. Mr. Burgess is a na- 
tive of Bullitt Connty, Ky., the date of his birth 
being April .J, 1857. He is the sou of John Bur- 



1^ dc-.^ t-'.r' cLeji-J 




gess, a native of Wheeling, AV. Va., born Aug. 27, 
1829, who removed from his native State to Ohio 
when a young man, and was there married. Oct. 22. 
18o2, to Miss Mary Carlisle. She was a native of 
Brooke County, W. A'a.. born Aug. 2.0, 18;!4, and 
a daughter of .Tames Carlisle, of Portsmouth, Ohio. 
From there he removed to Kentucky, and located 
in Bullitt Count}', where he engaged in agricultural 
jjursuits; thence removed to Iowa in the spring 
of 1860, becoming a resident of Keokuk County, 
and continuing his former vocation. Not long- 
thereafter the trouble between the North and South 
necessitated a call for troops to defend the Union, 
and Mr. B. enlisted, liecoming a member of Co. K. 
33d Iowa \'ol. Inf. He marched with his regiment 
to the scene of conflict, and participated with his 
comrades in the various engagements and skirmishes 
which the}" encountered until the clo.se of the wai'. 
He was in the battles at Jenkins" Ferry. Prairie 
d'Anne, being wounded at the latter place, and was 
at the siege and capture of Spanish Fort, in Texas. 
He was subsequently transferred to Company I, in 
the same regiment, and with his comrades, received 
an honorable discharge on the 1.5th of August, 
1 86.1. 

After his discharge from the service of the Union, 
John Burgess returned to his home in Keokuk 
County, where he remained until 187.'i, and then re- 
moved with his family to Ottumwa. In politics he 
was a Jackson Democrat, and after removing to 
Ohio was elected Deputy Sheriff of Pike County, 
serving in 18,'):3-;')4. He was a man of great force 
of character and decided views, and wherever he 
located was recognized as a man eminently fitted to 
be a leader among his fellows. 

The parental household of our snliject included 
six children, four of whom are living, as follows: 
Lida is the wife of B. Goldsberry, of Bedford, Iowa; 
Naimie graduated in the High School of Ottumwa, 
and is a teacher in this city; Willie W. is engaged 
as a clerk in a dry-goods house, and the fourth is 
our subject. Mrs. Mar}' Burgess is still living in 
Ottumwa, and has been a devoted member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. 

James R. Burgess was educated in the city 
schools of Keokuk County, and came to Ottumwa 
with his parents. He is a self-made mau in every 



i 



hS 




\'^ rJ rJr-l r^ ^ > 



|J.J^ J?J C 







l::S 

I ■■••> 



respect, when .young being without means or influ- 
tluenee, ami having nothing to dejiend upon but iiis 
own exertions. He gladly- accepted emi)lo3-nient 
at whatever he could secure, using his leisure 
hours in studying instructive liotiks, and in this way 
has acquired a fund of knowledge superior to many 
who have taken a full eullege course. In addition 
to this he assisted in educating his sister and 
brother, and in the course of time, bv incessant in- 
dustry and rigid ecunom^-, found himself the pos- 
sessor of sufficient means to enable him to take a 
course at the Ottuniwa Business College, from 
which he graduated in 1875, with high recommend- 
ations from his instructors. 

After leaving college, finding nothing better at 
hand in which to engage, our subject went on the 
road as traveling salesman fur a firm which dealt in 
the manufacture and sale of pumps, and two }'ears 
later purchased the interest of the proprietor, H. M. 
Fair, and continued the business himself for the 
following three years. In 1881 he associated him- 
self in partnership with Mr. M. II. Giltner, .and 
they are now operating under the firm name of 
Giltner it Burgess, and have added to their stock, 
farm machinery, wagons, buggies, etc. 

Notwithstanding the demands of business, Mr. 
Burgess keeps himself well informed in regard to 
political and general matters, and has received 
ready recognition at the hands of his fellow-towns- 
men as a man well qualified to become a leader in 
their midst. He became a member of the City 
Council in the spring of 1885, being elected on the 
Kejiublicaii ticket with a majority of between fifty 
and seventy-five votes, being the first Democratic 
official elected to this position in sixteen years. In 
the fall of 188.) he was elected bj- a union of the 
Democratic and Greenback parties to the General 
Assembly of the State, being the youngest member 
but one in the House. While there he made a vig- 
orous fight on the Cassett Mining Bill, extracts of 
which were published in the leading papers of this 
iState and Illinois. 

In politics Mr. B. has vigorously upheld the prin- 
ciples of the (ireenback party, and has uniformly 
cast his vote in support of its principles. He has 
always taken a lively interest in the leading ques- 
tions of the day, and since he became of age has 






been an out-and-out anti-monopoli.st. He has rep- 
resented his district in »U tiie conventions since 
l.sTll. and was a delegate to the Indianapolis con- 
vention of IS84, and cast his vote for Ben Butler 
for President. Socially he belongs to the K. of P., 
the Modern Woodmen, etc. 



»-•!•- ^- 



0-^ HRISTOPHER MEYERS, a saddler and hai - 
ness-maker doing business at Ottumwa, 
where he resides, and in which he is meeting 

with that success which constant attention to his 
trade has brought him, was born in Elkhart County, 
Ind., July (J, 18o."). He is a son of Joseph Meyers, 
one of the earlj' settlers of this county, and whose 
biogi'aphy is given elsewiiere in this work. 

Christoi)her Meyers was but seven ' years of ago 
when he accompanied his parents to this State, in 
1 843, and located with them at Agency, this county. 
It was in that pl.ace, attending the log school-house, 
which was 16x10 feet in dimensions, and had its 
puncheon floors and slabs for seats as well as writ- 
ing-desks, that our subject obtained his education. 
A\'hen fourteen years of age young Meyers was ap- 
prenticed to the shoemaker's trade, and after work- 
ing at the same for three years thoroughly mastered 
it, l)ut during that time onlj' received his board 
.and clothes as remuneration for his services. At 
the expiration of his apprenticeship be received a 
suit of clothes and $5 in cash, and started out in the 
world to do for himself. He continued to work at 
his tr.ade until 18(io, when he added thereto that of 
harness-making. In 1871, while a resident of 
Agency, he embarked in the grocery business and 
was thus occupied for some years. Closing out the 
latter business he engaged in the sale of confection- 
ery, and in 1884 went to Pierre, Dak. There he 
was engaged in business for a time, but not liking 
the country', and still less the poor success he was 
meeting with at that place, he returned and settled 
at Ottumwa, where he has been engaged in the sad- 
dle and harness business until the present time. 

Mr. Meyers was married at Agency City, in 1854, 
to Miss Martha E. Brantner. She was born in 
Pennsylvania, and has borne our subject four chil- 
dren, three daughters and one son : Florence E. ; 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



.lusephiue, wife of C. II. Sage, station agent for tlie 
B. ife !\I. H. K. .-It Kndicott, Neb.; Claude IM., and 
Rena May, wlio died in infancy. In polities Jlr. 
MeycM'-s is a stanch Democrat. He is alwaj'S to he 
found at county conventions and has been a dele- 
gate to (State conventions for a number of times. 
Me always takes an active part in all the cam- 
])aigns, and has held several local offices within the 
gift of the people. Having passed almost an en- 
tire lifetime within the boundaries of the countj', 
he has .seen it develop from a wild, uncultivated 
district to the prominent position it occupies in 
comparison with other agricultural counties in the 
.State. I'loni a little village he has watched the 
growth of Ottumwa until it has attained to the 
po|)ulatiou of 12,()00 iniiabitants, and in place of 
tlie log cabins which were to be seen in every di- 
rection throughout the county when he first came 
here, one can now see beautiful farms with fine and 
niaguilicent residences upon them, and surrounded 
by such modern improvements as go to make up 
happy homes. .Socially Mr. Meyers is a memljer of 
Magnolia Lodge No. 24, I. O. O. F., and has rep- 
I'esented his lodge in the Grand Lodge. He is also 
a member t)f the Camp, and has held all the offices 
of that division of the order. 



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d W 'l^^^'AN .lONE.S is a highly respected resi- 
[i Jq 1^ of Ottumwa, and a master mechanic of 
P^ W-^ C. H. &. Q. R. R. He is a native of 



\'AN .lONE.S is a highly respected resident 

f the 
I. R. R. He is a native of the 
111 British Empire, being liorn in England on the 
III 21st of .June, 1.S4."). When he was six years of age 
I! I he came with his parents to the United .States. He 
' is the son of lOvan and Margaret (Ashton) Jones, 
and soon after leaching American shores, they lo- 
lated at Utica, N. Y. Evan Jones was a tanner bj- 
rade and established himself in business there in 
ompany with Richard INIoses, the firm title being 
OSes ife Jones. In l.s.').'J the elder Jones severed 
his connection with the business at Utica, and coni- 
ng west as far' as Illinois, located near Jonesboro, 
where he engaged in mercantile pursuitsfor a short 
time, and thence removed to Bni'lington, Iowa. In 
18."),"), at the commencement of the grading of the 



B. <t IM. R. R., he expected to obtain employment 
in connection with the l)uilding of this road, but 
being disappointed went to Oriswold City, Mo., 
and entered the employ of the Missouri Pacific, 
with which he remained for the two years following. 
He then crossed back over the ]Mississippi to Nau- 
voo, 111., where he was engaged in the county' [irod- 
uce trade for the following nine months. This 
venture proving unsuccessful he returned to Iowa 
and located in Henry County, where he engaged in 
keeping boarders., which latter business proved suc- 
cessful. He was finally burned out, losing all his 
worldly effects. He died in Henry Countj^ Iowa, 
in the fall of 1858. His wife, the mother of our 
subject, is still living and is a resident of Ottumwa. 
Both parents were connected with the Episcoi)aI 
Church, and in politics, Evans Jones, .Sr., was a pro- 
nounced Democrat. 

The subject of this sketch was reared under the 
parental roof and receiVed his primary education 
in the public schools. He afterward took a course 
in the High .School, but is pi'incipally a self-educated 
man, being fond of books and making the most of 
his opportunities. He commenced his railroad 
work in the employ of the B. & M. in August, 1804, 
and remained with that couipany until the fall of 
1808. He then abandoned this position to take a 
more desirable one with the Toledo, Peoria & War- 
saw, with headquarters at Peoria. He was thus oc- 
cupied for one year, and then returned to Burling- 
ton and to the B. & M. In Deceml)er following he 
came into Ottumwa, where he entered the shops 
under the superintendence of J. D. Carder. In 
.September, 1880, he was promoted as general fore- 
man of the locomotive department, which position 
he has since occupied and takes pride in the excel- 
lence of his work. 

Mr. Jones since cctming here has been |iroininenl 
in the affairs of his comminiity and is one of the 
Aldermen of the Second Ward. In politics he is 
a stanch Republican and sociallj- belongs to the 
Masonic fraternity. Des Moines Lodge No. 1. 

Evan .Tones was united in marriage with Miss 
Emil^' Eads, at Burlington, Iowa, in .January, 18(;,s. 
Mrs. Jones was born and reared in Burlington and 
received her education in the schools of that city. 
Of her union with our subject there have been 









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\ born eight children, viz., Anna. George, Charles, 
i Maude, Paul and Clarence ; Klla and Corn are de- 
I ceased. Their home is pleasantly located on P^ast 
I Second street, and they numlier among their friends 
I and acquaintances the most cultured citizens of Ot- 
tumwa. 

W. HUSTON, M. D., a skillful and prom- 
inent physician of Eldon, is a native of 
Ohio, born in Ashland County near Hayes- 
ville, June 15, 1848. He is the son of Sam- 
uel and Jane (Ginn) Huston, both natives of Scot- 
land. The father emigrated to the United States 
in 1811, and the mother two years later. They fii'st 
settled in Washington County, N. Y., and were 
married there in 1843, whence they removed to 
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and from there went to 
Ashland Count}' two years later and eggaged in 
farming pursuits. 

Our subject remained with his parents and assisted 
in the lighter duties around the homestead until he 
was sixteen years of age, and then went to \'ermil- 
lion Institute at Hayesville, where he took a liter- 
arj' course of three years; then went to Nebraska 
and entered the Literar}- Department of Otoe Uni- 
versity, in 1867, where he was occupied alternately 
as teacher and student. From there he went to 
Wooster, Ohio, and after taking a three years' 
course in the university graduated from that insti- 
tution Feb. "2.5, 1871. He had in the meantime also 
pursued his medical studies, and now took a course 
in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keo- 
kuk, Iowa, graduating Feb. 25, 1879. He began 
the practice of his profession at Champaign City, 
and became a resident of Eldon in 1873, and from 
that time to the present has been continuously en- 
gaged in practice, and has thoroughlj' established 
himself in the confidence and esteem of the citizens 
of this locality. 

Dr. Houston was married, Nov. 20, 1874, to Miss 
Hortense .1. Scott, of Warsaw, Ind., the daughter 
of George Washington and Elizabeth (Horn) Scott, 
of Ohio. Of this union there have been born five 
children, as follows: Willis, who died at the age 
of nine months; Milton C, George Garfield, Rob- 
ert Monroe and Myrtle F. The Doctor has been 



prominentlj- identified with public affairs since 
coming to this section. He was Mayor of the city 
for six terms and Trustee in 1879. In politics he 
is a relialile Republican and during the war served 
in the Home Guard for three months. Socially he 
is connected with the I. O. O. F. and the K. of P. 

Samuel Huston, the father of our subject, de- 
parted this life in 1867, at the advanced age of 
eighty-seven years. He was a Captain in the War 
of 1812, and at the close of his military career re- 
turned to his homestead in Washington County, 
N. Y., and superintended the operations of his farm 
until his hands were folded for his final rest. He 
was a good man in ever}' respect, honest and up- 
right in his transactions with his fellow-men, and 
was prominently connected with the Presbyterian 
Church. His wife passed from the scenes of earth 
Nov. 11, 1866, one year previous to the decease of 
her husband ; she was seventy-nine years of age. 
She also was a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
and left behind her a record of kindly deeds and 
womanly virtues. The parental family consisted 
of ten children, of whom six are now living: Sam- 
uel, Lucinda, and Jane, the latter the widow of 
Charles Jarvis, all live in Ohio; John; Jasper is a 
resident of Jefferson County, Iowa; Mary Ann is 
the wife of F. E. Crocker, and lives in Gage County, 
Neb. A lithographic portrait of Dr. Huston is 
shown on another page of this work. 




f 



ETER FRANCIS, wagon and carriage man- 
ufacturer residing at Pvddj'ville, and Mayor 
of that city, was born March 30, 1828, 
near Wheeling, AV. \'a. He is the son of 
Emanuel and Sabra (Crow) Francis, both natives 
of West Virginia. The former was born in the 
year 1800 and is yet living, residing in Marshall 
County, W. Va. Our subject's mother died in 1863, 
at the age of sixtj'-five. Peter Francis was reared 
on his father's farm and there continued to reside 
until September, 1844, in the meantime attending 
the common schools and assisting in the labors on 
the farm. He then engaged to learn the wagon- 
maker's trade in Moundsville, the county seat of 
Marshall County, W. Va., where he continued to 



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work lit his trade for eleven years. In the si)ring 
of 18.').i he came to Kddyville. this couutv, the 
journe}' being made liy rivci- ;ind requiring two 
weeivs of irksome travel. He was thus one of the 
early residents of that place .•ind has since made it 
his home, liecomiiig one of the leading and most 
enterprising men there. On his lirst locating there 
he engaged in running a sawmill and was thus oc- 
cupied until 1S7(I. lie then took a contract in 
cotnimiiy with .lacob JJaiishcr for the furnishing of 
rock for the building of liridges foi- the Iowa Cen- 
tral Kailroad Company. Me established his present 
liusiness .Tan. 1, 1872, and has since conducted it in 
his customary business-like way, and as a conse- 
quence, has met with signal success. 

Mr. Francis was married. Aug. 17, 1848. to Mary 
Raymond, a native of Delaware, and a daughter of 
Joseph H. Ka3'niond. Thcii' union haslieen blest by 
the birth of the following children : Florence, wife of 
.John F. Skelton. a jeweler liy trade and a resident 
(jf California; William 1'., living at home; Edward 
M.. a Imtcherof Albion, Iowa; Clara Belle, who be- 
came the wife of a Jlr. Cline, of California, is de- 
ceased. 

Mr. Francis has cmisideralile town property, and 
at this writing is .Mayor of the thriving little city 
of Kddyville, having been elected to that office in 
-March, 18,S(;. Mr. Francis is a member c)f the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, having joined that order at Mounds- 
ville. W. \a., in l8.-)4. 

As a representative not only of the pioneer ele- 
ment of Wapello County, but of her excellent busi- 
ness men, we are pleased to present the portrait of 
Mr. Francis in this connection. 



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\i)OHN HARNESS. The sul>ject of this his- 
I tory has been a resident of the llawkeye 
fState for a period of over thirty years, and 
during his long residence in this section has 
undenial)ly built up for himself a reputation as an 
hiinest mini ••nid .-i g<jod citi/en. He owns and oc- 
cui)ies M comfortable homestead in Green Township, 
on section 20. which consists of 100 acres of finely 
cultivated huul. a handsome farm dwelling, good 



barns and outhouses, and everything pertaining to 
a fiist-class farm est^ite. 

Mr. Harness is a native of Darke County, Ohio, 
the date of his bii'th having l>een July 8, 1840. 
He is the son of Gideon and Sarah (Shook) Hai-- 
ness, both natives of t)liio. After their marriage 
and after the birth of our subject, they started for 
the f.arther West, and, crossing the Father of Wa- 
ers, came into Wapello Count}', Iowa, and settled 
upon the tiact of land which is the present home- 
stead of our subject. At the time of their coming 
here John H. wjis a small boy, just old enough to 
assist in the lightest duties around the farm. He 
was reared under the parental roof and obtained a 
fair education in the common schools. He remained 
with his parents until he had attained to years of 
manhood, and during the progress of the late Civil 
W.ar became .-i soldier of the Union, enlisting Aug. 
14. 1862, in Co. E, 36th Iowa VoL Inf.. serving 
until Sept. 2.5, 1864. In the meantime he partici- 
pated in the following battles: Ft. Pemberton ; 
Coffeeville, Miss.; Helena, Ark.; and manj- others 
until April, 1864, when, at the battle of Mark's 
Mills, he received a gunshot wound through the 
left knee, left hip and right side, the three wounds 
disabling him so much that he was unfitted fi>r 
further service, and accordingly received an hon- 
orable discharge. After his enlistment he was jno- 
nioted .Sergeant, and at the time of being wounded 
was among the troops detailed to open a jiassage 
for the waters of the Mississippi to flow into the 
bayous of Moon Lake in order that steamboats 
might effect the passage up the Yazoo River. To 
add to his distress .at the time he w.as wounded he 
was also captured by the rebels and confined as a 
prisoner from the 2.")th of April to the 3d ol July. 
At the date last mentioned he was removed to .St. 
John's llosiiital at Little Rock, Ark., where he re- 
mained until he was discharged from service the 
following September. 

Mr. Harness then returned home and resumed 
his studies at the district schools for two years fol- 
lowing, for the purpose of fitting himself for a 
teacher. He entered upon the duties of his pro- 
fession soon afterward, and was thus occupied for 
the following five years. He then purchased a 
stock of general niercliandise and opened a store at 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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E Ormanville, which he operated until 1877, when he 
i engaged in farming for three 3-ears following, and 
Sin 18.S0 was elected to the office of Recorder of 
C Wapello County. At the expiration of his first 

5 term he was re-elected, serving two years more, 
i and then retired to the old hcmiestead. where he has 

u 

! Since been engaoed in ueneral farm in". 
I John Harness and Miss Linnia Ann Heckart were 
p united in marriage Oct. 1."!, 1867. Mrs. IL is a na- 
H five of this countj", and the daughter of .Joseph and 
§ Polly (Brashear) Heckart, and \>y her iuii()n witli 
g our subject has become the mother of eight chil- 
dren, as follows : John Irvin, Sarepta Ellen, AVill- 
E iam Frederick, George Elder, Gideon Ralph, Joseph 
fi LeRoy, Alice Maj' and AValter Henry. ^Ir. Har- 
E ness, politically, is a stanch Republican. He is a 
E member of the G. A. R. ; and was first Post Com- 
E inander of Cloutman Pi>st No. ()9. and is one of 
C the prominent otficials of his order. 

6 Gideon Harness, the father of our subject, de- 
g parted this life at his home in Green Township in 

\t^ 1856, at the age of forty-one j'ears, eight months 
and sixteen days. The mother survived him twen- 
■^ ty -nine years, dying .Sept. 14, 1885, at the age of 
;;E sixty-six years. She was a highly respected Chris- 
tian lady and a devoted member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 



/^s^ .S. COCKERILL, an lionored resident of 
^^^^ (^reen Township, and pleasantly located on 
|i\/_Jj) section 14, has been a resident of Wapello 
Count}' since 1855, and during a period of 
more than thirty years has full}' established himself 
in the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. 
He is occupied in the peaceful pursuits of a farmer, 
and in all respects is filling the place of a valued 
citizen and worthy member of the community. Mr. 
Cockerill is a native of Hampshire Count}', Ya., 
and was born in 1818. He is the son of AVilliam 
S. and Anna (Leadman) Cockerill, natives of the 
same State, who, after their marriage and birth of 
their son, our subject, removed to Fayette County, 
Ohio, wheie the latter was reared to farming ])ur- 
suits. The aft'ectionale wife and mother died when 
our subject was a little lad six years old, and he 



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was taken from liis home and cared for elsewhei'e. 
At sixteen years of age he returned to his father 
and lived with him for the following five years. 
He then went to Greene County, Ohio, and en- 
gaged in teaming from Beaver Creek Mill to Day- 
ton, being thus occnpied for a period of four years, 
lie then returned to Fayette County and remained 
until the fall of 1855, when he crossed the Hoosier 
State to Illinois and hjcated in Peoria County, re- 
maining there until the following spring. Then, 
setting his face for the further West, he crossed tlie 
^lississippi and coming to Wapello County, Iowa, 
purchased eighty acres of land in Green Town- 
ship, on section 14, which constitutes a part of his 
present homestead. He immediately set about the 
improvement and cultivation (if his purchase, and 
added to it as time and means permitted until now 
the estate con.sists of 200 acres, all iinprove<l and 
under a good state of cultivation. 

In 184.3 Mr. Cockerill was united in marriage 
with Mi.ss Eveline Mason, of Ohio, and they be- 
came the jiarents of three children, as follows: 
William S. died in 1868; Mary Ellen became the 
wife of James Fishbnck, of Highland County, Ohio; 
Henry Milton is engaged in the wholesale tea and 
spice business at Ottumwa, Iowa; Mrs. Eveline 
Cockerill departed this life in 184.S, at the home oi 
her husband in F.ayette County, Ohio. 

Mr. C. was married, the second time, in 1853, to 
Miss Elizabeth Smith, of Ohio, who became the 
mother of one child, a daughter, Laura, who mar- 
ried William Branch, of Ohio, and died in 1881. 
Mrs. Elizabeth Cockerill died the year of her 
marriage, in 1 853. 

The third marriage of Mr. C. occurred in July, 
1857, when he was united with Mrs. Catharine 
(Jackson) Wilson. Of this union there were born 
two children — Charles Clarence and Flora D. Mrs. 
C. is a highly respected lady and a devoted member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Mr. C. has visited Ohio four times since becom- 
ing a resident of the Hawkcye State. The greater 
part of his life has been devoted t(j farming pur- 
suits, although he followed the trade of a painter 
for seven years, in Ohio. Before the organization 
of the Republican party he was a thorough Whig 
in sentiment, but since the abandonment of the old 




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partj- has oordially indorsed the principles of the 
new. He lias alvvaj's taken an active interest in the 
general welfare of the cuninumity, and has filled 
the office of Constalile for two ^-ears in (ireen 
Township. 

William S. Cockeiill, tlie father of our subject, 
was a soldier in the War of 1812, and Captain of 
Militia in Ohio. He was a Justice of the Peace for 
a number of 3ears, and was a prominent member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a 
man of decided views and great force of character, 
.•I good judge of human nature, and keenly observant 
of what was going on around him in the world. 
He departed this life in 1879, at the ripe old age 
of nearly ninet}' years, at peace with his neighbors 
and with a conscience "void of offense." 



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\f)OHX W . WKLLMAN, one of the honored 
pioueers of Wapello County, and at present 
Postmaster of Amador, is a native of Law- 
/ reuce County, Ky.. where he was born in 
1822. His parents were Michael and Anna (Adams) 
Wellman. of A'irginia. who, when young people, re- 
moved to Kentucky. Their familj- consisted of 
nine children, five living: .1. W.. of our sketch; 
.Mary, the wife of Benjamin .Tones, deceased, is 
now living in this county; Nancy, Mrs. .Spaulding; 
Harrison, of ,Jeffer,<on County, Kan., and Lucius 
H., of this county. Michael Wollman came to this 
county in 1844, while Iowa was yet a Territory-, 
and settled in Adams Township, on section 14. 
He was a Whig in polities, and, with iiis estimable 
wife, was a member of Mu' Cliiisti.nn Church. Koth 
died in this county. 

Mr. Wellman was educated in Kentucky and 

visited Iowa in 1842. Heat that time met Gov. 

jjChambers, with whom he sjient m.any pleasant hours. 

} Our subject was married, in Maysville, Aug. 22, 

■"1.S47. to Miss Mary Hendrickson, also a native of 

Kentuck}- and born Ajiril 1."). 182."). They became 

the jjarents of eight children, seven now living: 

William H., ami .Vngeline. who became the wife of 

Ander.son Hunter, live in this county ; Wiufield S. 

is iu Uavis County; Kitlie. .Mrs. John Hendricks, is 



in this county; Belle is the wife of Albert Oreen, 
of Jefferson County, Kan.; Georgiana, Mrs. Alfred 
Marts, lives in Center Township; Frank is at home. 
Our subject came to this county in 1848, and 
purchased a section of land in Adams Township. 
Two years later he sold out and moved to (Jt- 
tumwa, where he embarked in mercantile pursuits, 
and in 18.51 returned to Adams Township, where he 
has since resided. He is Democratic in politics and 
has held the various local offices. In 1883 he was 
appointed Postmaster by President Arthur, which 
position he has since held. In connection with his 
office he has a grocery stand which he runs to nd- 
vantage. Mr. Wellman still retains possession of 
his farm of 140 acres, and since the time of coming 
here has been ck)sely identified with the industrial 
and agricultural interests of this sectiim. He came 
to the county poor in purse, but b}' iud-ustry and 
enterprise has accumulated a competencj'. Jlrn. 
W. is a member of the Christian Church, and our 
sul)ject in religious views adheres to tlie doctrines 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



AMES RUSH, a prosperous farmer and stock- 
raiser of Adams Township, is pleasantly 
located on section 1 2, and in his operation.- 
_ is meeting with success. He is a native of 
Brown County, 111., and w.as born on the ."kl of 
August, 1834, his parents being John and Martha 
(Lanning) Hush, natives of Somerset County, Pa., 
who, when cliildren, went with their parents to 
Ohio and settled in Athens County. They were 
married in the latter count}' in 1 830, and the fol- 
lowing ye.ar went to Brown County. 111. The 
mother of our subject died in aljout 18.51, at 
Ottumwa. She was a lady liighlj- respected 
wherever known for her kindness of heart ami 
noble i)rinciples, and was prominently connected 
with the Christian Church. 

The second marriage of Mr. Rush was with .Miss 
Luauna McCallister, of Lucas County, Iowa, and of 
their union there was one child, Sarah, now the wife 
of Thomas Summers, and residing in Arkansas. 
The father of our subject died in the latter State 
in 1878. He was Democratic in politics, and 



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wherever he made his home ranker! among the 
must useful and worthy citizens. 

The subject of our sketch was the second child of 
his parents' family, and was eleven years old when 
they removed to Wapelk) County. Iowa was then 
a Territory and the face of a white man seldom 
seen, but Indians were |)lenty and roamed over the 
country in bands. After arriving at years of man- 
hood our subject went into Schuyler County in 
l!So6, where he had already secured a farm and had 
beguii to improve it. He was married. May lU, 
18.")G, to Miss Eliza Jane McAlister, who was born 
in Washington County, Jan. is, lt<4(). Her parents 
were John and Luanna (Stone) McAlister, natives 
respectively" of Indiana and Connecticut. Of the 
union of our subject and wife there were born 
three children: William J., a teacher in Adams 
Township; Alice, at home, and Bertha who is at- 
tending school. 

Mr. and Mrs. R. are valued members of the com- 
munity, and have watched w-ith genuine interest 
and satisfaction the growth and development of 
their adopted county. Their homestead now in- 
cludes 220 acres of fine farming land, embellished 
with a tasteful residence, good barns and out- 
buildings, and all the accessories of a flrst-class 
country hf)me. 

AMES KISIiS'tiKK, an honored pittueer of 
the Hawkej'e State, came to Iowa with his 
parents in 1841, while it was yet a Terri- 
tor}% settling first in Van Buren County, and 
has been a resident of Wapello County since 1«52. 
He has witnessed with interest and pleasure the 
remarkable changes which have taken place in the 
condition of the country, and as a good citizen has 
contributed of his time and means as he was able, 
to ever^' worthy enterprise, and novv. in his later 
days, established upon a comfortable homestead, is 
reaping the reward of industry and economy. 

The subject of this biogiaphy is a iiiitive of 
Berkeley County, \a., and was born May o, 1817. 
His parents were (ieorge and Nancj' (McCormick) 
Kisinger. Uic fninier a native of ^Maryland and the 



latter of Virginia. He removed from his native 
State with his parents in 18:36, going first to Ohio 
and settling in Champaign County, where they 
carried on farming pursuits ufjon rented land for 
the following live years. They then determined to 
go farther westward and, crossing the Mississippi, 
came to Iowa, first settling in Van Buren County. 
They remained there for a period of nine years and 
then removed to \\'a|)e!lo County, and purchased 
167 acres of land in (ireen Township, on sections 
18 and ID. The land was in its original condition 
and they immediately began its improvement and 
cultivation, establishing a comfortable home which 
is still in possession of oui' subject, although he has 
parted with a portion of the land. 

The marriage of James Ivisinger and Miss Ann 
Young was celebrated in Ohio, July 31, 1838. Mrs. 
K. is a native of Franklin Countj', Ohio, anil the 
daughter of James and Eleanor Young, the former 
of Irish birth and parentage and the latter a native 
of Pennsylvania. Of this union there were born 
the following: Mary E. became the wife of Will- 
iam Simpson and is living in Clarke Countj-, Iowa: 
George is a farmer of Y'oung County, Tex. ; John 
is a resident of the same locality; Margaret N., 
the wife of Madison Parker, and Rebecca are in 
Texas; Isabell is at home; Rosa, the wife of David 
Green, of Texas, died Sept. 29, 1886, aged twenty- 
seven years and six months; Henry, born in 1845, 
died in Des Moines County, Iowa, May 9, 1848; 
Nancy died when a child, in May, 1848; James 
died in 1862, aged eight months. 

In 1850 Mr. K. took an overland trip to Cali- 
fornia, being on the road from April 1 7 to August 
28. After reaching the Golden State he entered 
the mines and was very successful in his search for 
the yellow ore. He remained there two years, 
reaching home on the 17th of June. 1852. He 
made the journey homeward by way of the Isthmus 
and New Orleans, and upon his return continued 
his farming operations until the present time. Dur- 
ing his ?ojourn in California Mr. Kisinger met with 
quite a serious accident occasioned by the caving in 
of a sand bank, which crushed iiim s<j that he was 
disabled for three months. 

George Kisinger. the father of our subject, w;is 
I'ostmaster at Pitts))urgh for:i number of vears. He 



m 



P! 




■UXTTTTIIM 



506 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



(lied in August, 1872; the mother passed to her 
rest in Xoveinlier, lHo2. (George Kisinger, Sr., 
the grandfather of our subject, w.is reared near 
iMt. \'eriion. the home of Washington, and was 
well acquainted with tiie Father of liis Countr3-. 
He also frequently saw (len. Lafayette when he 
was in the United States, in 1827. 





/OB P. .lAV, an early settler of Wapello 
County, has been a resident of tiie Hawkeye 
State since 1854, when he located in Adams 
Township, where he has since resided. He 
at (me time was the owner of 1,400 acres of land, 
and twelve miles of rail fence. Mr. .laj' was born 
in Miami County, Ohio, Oct. 28, 181G, and is the 
son of Samuel and Bathsheba B. (Pugh) Ja^', both 
natives of North Carolina, and reared in the faith 
of the Society of Friends. His father was born in 
1784, and the mother in 1788. In early life they 
emigrated to Miami County, Ohio, when the latter 
[ was but a wilderness, and tliere Samuel Jay opened 
up three farms amidst the heavy timl)er, which, as 
may be supposed, involved a vast amount of labor. 
The parental family consisted of ten children, 
only two of whom are now living: Verlinda, the 
wife of Robert .Jenkins, with iier husband, is de- 
ceased; David died in Grant Comity, Ind.; Rachel 
became Mrs. Samuel Jenkins, and she and her hus- 
hi band both died in Miami County, Ohio; Elizabeth, 
(ij_ Mrs. Russell, is living in Wayne County, Ind.; 
Job P. was the next in order of birth; Samuel died 
in Grant County', Ind.; William, in JNIiami County, 
Ohio, and Thomas, in Indiana ; L^'dia, the youngest 
daughter, died in early childhood. Mr. Jay was a 
hard worker, and kept himself well informed upon 
matters of general interest. Both he and his wife 
remained connected with the Friends during their 
lifetime. Samuel Jay being an Elder for mauj' 
years. He departed this life Dec. 14, 1859, aged 
seventj^-five j'ears; the mother died Jan. 1, 1850, 
when si.\t3'-two years of age. They were greatly 
respected, and had trained their chiiilM-u to iniiui- 
ples of honor and moralit}-. 

The subject of our sketch \\:i,- cducateil in tlic 
liy-goue log schuol-hoii^c. and rcin.-iiiiiMl under the 



parental roof until he attained to years of nian- 
hood. He was married, .Sept. 24, 1840, to Miss 
Rachel Commons, a native of Wayne County. Ind., 
who was l)oni Aug. 14. 1SI7. Her )iarents were 
John and EIizat)eth (Moueh) Commons, the former 
of N'irginia and the latter of (ieorgia. Mr. and 
Mrs. Jay became the parents of ten children, fcmr 
deceased. Those living are as follows: Mary K. 
became the wife of William Asbury, and lives in 
Ottumwa; David lives in Ad;uns Townslii|); .Mai-- 
tha and Hhoda are twins; the former is married 
and lives in Shelby County, Iowa; Rlioda married 
Dr. Arnolds, of Wayne County, Iowa; Austin lives 
in Franklin Township: Charles M. is in Los Au- 
geles. Cal. 



= ^ 



: a; 



;f, IklLLlAM WADDINGTON. a prosi<erou 




dry-goods merchant of Ottumwa, Iowa, is 
a native of the Buckeye .State, where he 
was born in 1845. His parents were James and 
Ellen (Kerr) Waddington, natives of England, who 
emigrated to this country in 1843, and located in 
Seneca, Ohio, where, however, they remained but a 
short time, soon afterward removing to Stcuben- 
ville, where the father pursued his calling .as a shoe 
manufacturer. In 184!) he came west with the in- 
tention of taking up a ti-act of land, but was stricken 
down with cholera, and died at St. J>ouis. Mo. 
The family included five children, three only now 
living: John, of this county; James, a merchant of 
Chillicothe, and our subject. After the death of 
her finst husband Mrs. Wiiddington was married to 
Abram Jcwett, and of this union tiiere were born 
five children, three now living — Kllen, Mar}- J. and 
Joseph. ]Mr. and Mrs. Jewett came to this county 
in 18G1. 

The subject of our sketch attended school eight 
years in his native count}-, and in after years pur- 
sued his studies at night after the labors of the daj' 
were ended. By this means he obtained a fund of 
useful information and ranks among the intelligent 
men of the day. In 1809 ^Ir. Waddington com- 
nu'uce(l liusiness in Chillicothe, and by close atten- 
tion to business has accumulated a fine property, 
lie came to Ottumwa in 1880. and erected the 
linilding whirh lie no" uc-cupies. He carries a slock 



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of 14,000, and enjoys an extensive and profitable 
trade. 

The marriage of our snbjecl with Jliss Mary 
IMorgan was celebrated at Oskaloosa in 1871. Mrs. 
Waddington is the daughter of Fielding and Keziah 
.1. (Harding) Morgan, who were pioneers of Van 
Buren County, settling there in 1835, and there 
Mrs. Waddington was born on the 12th of June, 
1841). Mr. and Mrs. AVaddingtou are the parents 
of three children — Albert H., Gracie and Bessie. 
Their pleasant home is the resort of the cultured 
l)eople of the city. Mr. Waddington has attained 
to a high standing in the business and social world, 
and is considered one of the most valued members 
of the community. He belongs to the Masonic 
fraternity, being a member of Ottumwa Lodge 
No. lU. 

Z. RUPE. i)roniiuently located on section 27, 
in Keokuk Township, is successfully en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising, and b}- 
upright life and straightforward business 
methods has fullj' established himself in the confi- 
dence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. 

Mr. liupe is a native of the Buckeye fState, hav- 
ing been born iu (Jallia, Feb. 4, 1824. He 
is the son of .John and Rebecca (Lewis) Rupe, 
the father a native of Virginia and the mother of 
New Jersey. The parental household consisted of 
the children whose record is as follows: John en- 
listed in the 7th Iowa Cavahy during tlie war, and 
was frozen to death while in service near Ft. 
Kearney ; Israel, a farmer by occupation, is a 
resident of Kingman County, Kan. ; he also served 
in the late war as a member of the 7th Iowa 
Cavalry ; Samuel is farming in Washington County, 
Ark.; Enoch is carrying on agricultural pursuits in 
this countj' ; Prudence, the widow of Parker (jee, 
lives in Oregon; Hannah became the wife of John 
Hubler, and is now deceased; Mar^' A. and Rosetta 
are also deceased; William is a farmer of Davis 
County, lowii; Jerome Tillotsun married Miss 
Ellen Rupe, and is engaged in farming pursuits in 
this county. 

Mr. Rupe of our sketch spent the early part of 
his life iin the farm and in attendance at the sub- 






■ InTTTI 



scription schools of his native county in Ohio. He }| 
was reared by his excellent parents to habits of 
industry and economj', and at an early age began to"^ ^ ,^ 
•'paddle his own canoe." ISoon aftei' l)ecoming i)f •"■i" 
age he took unto himself a w-jfe and helpmeet in 
the person of Miss Mary jNI. Smith, the daughter of 
Solomon and Catharine (Hartsook) Smith, who were 
early pioneers of Ohio and are now deceased. 
The}' were most excellent and worthy people, use- } 
ful members of society and devoted to the Baptist 
Church, of which they were prominent and valued 
members. 

Mr. and ]Mrs. Rupe became the parents of seven 
children who are recorded as follows: John M. 
was born Sept. 'J, 184."), and is now a farmer of 
Keokuk Township; Rosena married M. A. Thomas. - 
who is also pursuing agriculture in this townsluji; [ 
Christina became the wife of William R. Coen, a | 
farmer of Shasta County, Cal. ; Emma married John ] 
H. Loy, a farmer of Wapello County; Mary was 
united in m:uri;ige with W. T. Turner, who is (iTlii 
carrj'ing im farming in Keokuk Township; Daniel \ |}j 
accidentally shot himself, and died on the 21st of 
March, 1879; Addison operates a farm in Keokuk 
Township. 

Mr. Rupe came to this count}' with his parents 
in 184,i, and is well acquainted with the hardships 
of pioneer life. He and his parents were earl}' 
settlers of this region before there had been erected 
any mills and before there was any market for 
their farm [)roduce. They were otiliged to haul 
tiieir grMiu twenty-five or thirty miles to mill, the 
nearest institution of this kind being at Bentons- 
port. in \'an Buren County. The father of our 
subject entered forty acres of land to which he sub-! I 
sequently added, and .as time passed on became ill 
possessed of eighty acres. 

L. Z. Hui)e was an industrious and energetic man 'lisiJ 
and during his younger years learned the art of 
basket-making, which, in his later days, proves a 
source of annisement and employment and assists 
in whiling aw;iy the time which might otherwise 
hang heavy i)n his hands, as he is never hap|)y 
when idle. In stormy we.ather especially, he may 
lie still found working at his trade, and is ever 
read}' to relate interesting incidents of the time 
when he first cro.ssed the Jlississippi ;ind located in 




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lUU 508 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 




iH 




the Hawkeye State. In his younger year.< he was 
prominent in the affairs of his township, holding 
the office of Justice of the Peace for about thirty- 
five 3'ears, and has been .Secretarj- of the Board of 
School Directors for the past twenty' jears. Politi- 
cally' he is a Republican in a Democratic townshi]), 
and is esteemed a useful man, a good neighbor and 
a valued citizen. Mr. R. is a member of the Uni- 
versalist Church. 

NDRP:W JACKSON HICKS, a prominent 
farmer and successful stock-raiser of (ireen 
Township, is pleasantly located on section 
29, and in his joint operntions is meeting 
with that success which perseverance and industry 
almost invariably accomplish. The subject of this 
historj- was born in Indian.'i. Aug. II, 1832, and 
is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Bower) Hicks, 
natives respectively of ^\"est Virginia and Ohio. 
The mother died in 1834, and was buried in Owen 
County, Ind. The father survived his partner 
until 1872, d3'ing in the same .State and county at 
the age of sixty-seven j'ears, and was buried by 
the side of his wife. They were most excellent 
and worthy people of true Christian character, and 
carried out in their dailj- lives the religious princi- 
ples which they had professed. Joseph Hicks, in 
his younger days, vvas a member of the Indiana 
State Militia, and took great jjride and pleasure in 
the military drill. 

The first marriage of our subject occurred in 
18,")0, with Miss Mary A. Luther, the daughter of 
Michael and Polly (Jsicholson) Luther, natives 
of North Carolina. They became the parents of 
four children, of whom Joseph M. is deceased; 
Marila was the second child ; Margaret is deceased, 
and Andrew Jackson Hicks, Jr. Mrs. Mary A. 
Hicks died in Green Township, Dec.;l2. 18(!4. 
After the death of the mother of these children. 
j who was deeply mourned on account of her devo- 
tion to duty and her tender and affectionate care 
^ over her family, Mr. Hicks made his first trip across 
1 the Mississippi, and coming into Wapello County, 
Iowa, purchased IGO acres of laud. riic following 
spring he returned to Iiidiana for lii> cliildren, ami 



after coming back settled upon his purcha,se and 
began its improvement and cultivation. After re- 
maining here one season and being not quite satis- 
fled with the result of his operations, he returned to 
Indiana, in the meantime, however, retaining pos- 
session of his Iowa property. The trips between 
the States were made overland and occupied about 
fifteen days. In 181J4, again taking his team, Mr. 
Hicks once more proceeded westward and crossed 
the Father of Waters to the land he had located in 
Wapello County, resolving now to remain upon it 
and establish a permanent home. He has been 
prospered in his undertaking and has added to his 
landed property as time passed on. He is now the 
owner of 260 acres, which embraces a part of sec- 
tions 19, 20, 29 and 30, all improved and under a 
good state of cultivation. In 1885 he erected a 
substantial farm residence on section 29, and his 
barns and out-buildings are indicative of the thrifty 
and thorough-going agriculturist. 

A. J. Hicks for his second wife married Mrs. 
Mahulda J. (Asheroft) Harness, widow of Hiram 
Harness, in Wapello County, April 9, IsTl. Mrs. 
Hicks is a daughter of Elijah and Eliza (Dalton) 
Asheroft. natives I'espectivelj' of Kentucky and 
Indiana. Of this union there were born five chil- 
dren, viz., Sylvia, Samuel L., Myrta, Harvey H. 
and Lee. 

The family residence of our subject is a model 
of convenience and comfort. The barns and out- 
buildings are substantial structures, fitted up with 
conveniences for the storing of grain and the shel- 
ter of stock. To the breeding of the latter Mr. 
Hicks has given much attention. His herd of cat- 
tle includes some of the finest animals in this sec- 
tion. In 1880 he purchased a full blood Durham, 
expecting to make a specialty of this breed of cat- 
tle, and so far has been successful in all his opera- 
tions in this direction. 

Since coming into this county Mr. Hicks has 
been prominent in its public affairs, and has held 
nearly all tile township offices. Politically he has 
identified himself with the Democratic party, and 
has always l)een willing to assist in maintaining the 
principles of teniperance and good order. He came 
to this vicinity a poor man, and his present posses- 
sions are the result of his own energy and industry. 




Ill -.jXiTll ill' 



m 






Mr'Hr'r'J 







WAPELLO COUNTY. 



He is fulfiUino; all the obligations of a good citizen, 
and is enjoying in a marked degree the friendship 
and respect of his fellow-citizens. 



EORGi; AV. MANRO, an early pioneer of 
,.; ,_-, Wapello County, crossed the Mississippi 
'^^j from the State of Ohio with his parents 
while in infancy, in 184(), and therefore really 
"grew up with the country." He has known no 
other home since that time and is as much a native 
of the Hawkej-e State as though he had been born 

ijc here. The real place of liis birth, however, was 
Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and the date thereof 
June 1, lS4y. His parents were James and Sarah 
(Fisher) Manro, and soon after the birth of their 
son, our subject, they started for the western coun- 
try and coming into Wapello County, Iowa, made 
their first location in Keokuk Township. Here, 
James Manro entered a tract of wild land and com- 
menced the improvement of a farm. He continued 
at this calling for the following si.x years, meeting 
with fair success, and then ceased his earthly labors, 
being stricken down in the prime of life and dying 
in 1852. The parental household included thirteen 
children, who are recorded as follows: Sarah Ann 
is the widow of John Alleshouse, and resides in 
(Jhio; Elizabeth is deceased; Catharine, the widow 
of David Dibbles, resides in Ottumwa; Eveline, 
deceased, was the wife of William Pedrick ; .lohn 
5 T. is deceased; Nathan F. is a citizen of Ottumwa; 

^ ; James A. is deceased; George W., our subject, and 

{ iS five who died in infancj. 

I" 

I: 

1 



George Manro was left an orphan at the age of 
six years. He remained at the home of his uncle, 
j jc Mr. McNaniee, for a time, and then went to live with 

j^B a gentleman by the name of Luther Hite, within 

1 
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whose household he remained until he was seven- 
teen 3'ears of age. At this time, tlif Civil War be- 
ing in progress, he enlisted as a soldier in the .Sth 
Iowa Cavalry for three years under Col. Dorr. He 
was mustered in at Davenport and soon afterward 
sent with his regiment to Western Tennessee, where 
5 : » he first e.Kperienced the hardships and privations of 
5 army life. They were there engaged in fighting 
= Bushwhackers and guarding railroads until the fol- 



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lowing spring, when they were ordered to Nashville 
and thence to Atlanta. Here the division of the 
army to which the regiment of young Manro be- 
longed was engaged in fighting the rebel General 
Hood, who was finally driven across the Tennessee 
River. The regiment continued in active service 
for the year following, and in the winter of 1864- 
65 went into winter quarters. In the spring fol- 
lowing they joined the command of Gen. Wilson 
and were sent to Tuscaloosa, where they fought, 
Forrest with bad results. Here young Manro was 
captured by Forrest's men and held for twenty-four 
hours, after which he was paroled and remained 
with the regiment until he was exchanged. Subse- 
quently at Macou, Ga., he was taken ill and was 
there at the time Jefferson Davis was captured and 
brought in. Here also his regiment was mustered 
out and then sent to Clinton, Iowa, where they re- 
ceived their final discharge in August, 1865. Al- 
though young and strong when entering the army, 
the exposures and privations which Mr. Manro en- 
dured undermined his health, and to-day he is a 
broken-down man. His two brothers, James and 
Nathan, were also in the army. The former was 
wounded between luka and Corinth at the time of 
the battles in that vicinit_v and died on the field ; 
Nathan served three 3ears and escaped serious in- 
jury. 

lu 1873 the subject of (jur sketch was married 
to Miss Augusta I., the daughter of L. A. and 
Elizabeth (McNatt) Myers. The parents of Mrs. 
M., formerly of Ohio and Tennessee respectively, 
now reside near Eldon in this county. Our subject 
aTid his wife became the parents of four children, 
as follows: Fred .M. was l)orn July II, 1874; Liz- 
zie D., Feb. 2(1, 1878; Iva (4., .Inly 17, \Hf<\ ; 
Lewis L., Nov. in. 18.s2. 

After his returu from the army .Mr. Manro pur- 
chased a tract of land in Keokuk Township, :iiid is 
now successfully engaged in farming and stock- 
raising. Although not al)lc to do hard labor, he is 
fully equal to the task of superintending the affairs 
of his homestead and is considered one of the rep- 
resentative farmers and business men of this section. 
The family occupy a comfortable dwelling, :ind th.- 
barn and outhouses of the estate are all in lirst-cl:i» 
condition and umpl}' suited for the storing of grain 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



2ifTTTTir2 



and the shelter of stock. All the siirnjundiiigs in- 
dicate substantial comfort and the pleasures of 
a peaceful farm life. Mr. and .Mrs. Mauro en- 
joy in a marked degree the confidence and esteem 
of their neigiibors and are members in good stand- 
ing of the Methodist Kiiiscopal Church. In poli- 
tics Mr. M. is a stanch Republican and conscien- 
tiously casts his vote in support of. the [irinciples 
of that party. 

A lithographic view of Mr. Manro's [)lace is 
shown in this work. 



"^^ .1. LAVNE, a prominent and respected citi- 
zen of C'hillicothe, where he is ])assing the 
sunset of life retired from active labor, w^as 
born in (wooclihuid County, A'a.. Feb. 27, 1812. 
The parents of our subject were Elisha and Eliza- 
beth (Layne) Layne, nativesof the Old Dominion. 
The father died Nov. 27, l.S(;(). He w-as a memlier 
of the Baptist Church, toolv great interest in pro- 
moting the cause of the Master and also in all pub- 
lie enterprises that were cak'nlated for the good of 
tiie community in which he resided. The mother 
of our subject died Nov. 31, IHfio. She was also 
a member of the Baptist Church, and b^ire liei' hus- 
band ten children, four daugliters and six sons: 
.Matilda. Mrs. Doyle, is deceased; Eliza A. is the 
widow of John (ialey, and is living with lior chil- 
dren; T. J., our subject, was next in order of 
birth; Elisha 15. died in lS4:i, being at the time of 
his demise a can(li<l;ite for the J.,egishiture of his 
.State; Elizabeth, now deceased, was the wife of 
\V. A. Long; .I.Mcob W. was killed in 1.~^<S{) l)y the 
running away of a team; Sauuiel il. is a farmer of 
.Montgomery Conntj', Ind. ; Preston M. is a pros- 
perous physician of Crawfordsville, Ind. ; Letitia 
died in 184(;. In l.sl.j the parental family of our 
suljject moved from N'irginia to Kentucky, where 
the father at once entered upon the task of clear- 
ing and iminoving a farm, lie lived in that St.-iti' 
until IH.iO, when he moved to .Montgomery County, 
Ind., and there purch.ascd KIO acres (jf land, on 
whirh the ojil fdlk lived until Ilu-ir dc-itli. 

In 1835 the subject of this noli<-e was united in 



marriage with Miss .Sallie. daughter of Daniel and : x 
Nancy (Edgman) Ea.sley. She wa.s born in l.sis, ; ,{; 
and their union has been blest by the birth of three 5:[i| 
children: James T.,a farmer of Adams Township. E ti] 
this county: Franklin M., residing near Swan Lake. : il 
Dak., :Mid Walter H., .Sheriff of Cherokee County.: i 
Kan. On the 4th of March, 1842, Mrs. Layne. 5 k 
mother of the above children, departed this life in 5 k 
Montgomer3' Conntj', Ind., where she is buried. : a 
In 1847 our subject formed a second matrimonial 5 
alliance, with Miss .Sarah G., the daughter of Bax 
ter and I'olly Edgman. Of this latter union four 






: '"u 



children have been born, two sons and two daugh- : \ 
ters: Joseph S. is a farmer of Cass Township: II. : '}\ 
D., and Nancy A., the wife of William (iaiev. re- : "l 
side in Chillicothe, this count}'; .Sarah E. died in; '^ 
infancy. 

Mr. Layne came to Wapello County in l.s4.).;u)d 
soon thereafter entered 320 acres of (Tovernmeiit \ - 
land in what is now Polk Township. On this he : ^^ 
located and at once began its improvement. ;ind : }; 
lived there until 187.5. meeting with success in his S T'^ 
labors. During the latter year he sold his farm, it : - 
being at the time one of the best intproved in Folk : !*• 
Township. ;uid moved to Macon County, Mo. : - 
There he purchased 120 acres of land, on which he : r 
made his Ixime for about five years. :iiid until the : :^ 
death of Mrs. Layne, which occurred March 1 . : :- 

■ u 

187!), when he sold out, and returning to Chilli- 
cothe, has since made that his home, residing with - ^ 
his (huighter, !Mrs. (iaiov'. He is well jtreserred in : ^ 
mind and body and has been no inactive factor in Tj 
the upbuilding and growth <jf A\ apello County. : [{ 
having held numerous offices of trust and taken an : [}^ 
active iiart in politics, always upon the side of the : |[ 
Democratic party. 



\ 



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EROME D. FERREE, .Secretjiry of the low.i : 
.Mutual Aid Association and of the C)ttumwa : 
Loan and Building Association, is a native; \ 
of Illinois, and was born near Hillslioro, 
Montgonierv County, June 10, isioS. The father:'!' 
of our subject, Thomas .M. Ferree, was a native of: ' 
Bracken County, Ky.. but in early life moved : 
to Clermont County. ()luo. and was there married - 
to Mis.- Esther .\nn Nelson. a native of thatcouiit\. 




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After marriage Thomas M. P'erree or.gaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits in Clermont Count}', and was thus 
occupied until 1«35. louring that year he emi- 
grated to Illinois, purch.ised a farm in Montgomery 
County, and remained on it until 184a. He then 
moved to St. Louis, Mo., and took a contract for 
sprinkling the streets of that city, which he con- 
tinued until his death, from cholera, in 184'J. His 
wife, the mother of our subject, after the demise of 
her husband, returned to their farm in Montgom- 
ery Coimtjs III, where she lived several years, and 
then removed to Litchfield. 111., where she died, 
at the advanced age of seventy-one years, in Octo- 
ber, 1882. 

The parental family of our subject comprised 
six children, of whom one died at the age of four 
j-ears; Marshal O. enlisted in the United States serv- 
ice in 1861, was taken prisoner after the siege of 
\'ieksburg, and died iu that foulest of Southern 
prisons, Andersonville. The four living children 
are Snoden R., a resident of Wellington, Kan. ; 
Thomas M., living in Morton County, Kan. ; Sarah 
A., wife of Joseph A. Coatney, a resident of Litch- 
field, 111., and our subject. 

Jerome D. Ferree is the second in order of birth 
of his parents' children. After the death of his 
father at St. Louis, he returned to Hillsboro, 
111., and there worked out by the month during the 
summer seasons on a farm, and attended school 
winters, and thus his life was spent until about 
eighteen years of age. He then attended school at 
Litchfield for nearlj- three years, receiving a good 
education, which he afterward supplemented by 
teaching for about three years. In 18G0 our sub- 
ject was united in marriage with Miss Susan F. 
Nelson, of Keokuk, Iowa. In 1804 Mr. Ferree en- 
gaged as an employe in the fire-insurance business, 
at Keokuk, and in 18C8 commenced iu the same 
business for himself, and added thereto transactions 
in real estate. In 1871 he took the general agencj' 
of Iowa for the St. Louis Mutual Life Insurance 
Company, and held that position until 1873, after 
which he was Special Agent for the Connecticut 
Mutual Life Insurance Company for Iowa, and iu 
1875 became General Agent for Iowa of the Penn 
Mutual Life of Philadelphia, which he held until 
1878. .\Ir. Ferree then came to Ottuuiw:i, Iowa, 



ill 




and organized the Ottumwa Loan and Building 
Association, and in 1881 he organized the Iowa 
Mutual Aid Association of Ottumwa, and has | 
served as Secretary of the two latter companies 
since they were organized. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ferree have had nine children, twoh 
of whom are deceased — one dying at the age of g- 
two years, and the otiier when nine j'ears old. The 
seven living are: Mary E., wife of Henry E. Red- 
enbaugh, a resident of Newton, Kan.; Bennie L.. 
George N., Fannie F., (Irace B., Daisy L. and 
Violet M. Politically Mr. F. has always been a 
stanch Republican, but is not an active politician. 
He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal hi m 
Church since 180!), and his good wife belongs to Hj J{; 
the Episcopal Church. 



WILLIAM M. KIN(i, a promiueut resident 
of Columbia Township, and successfully 
W^ eng.aged in the prosecution of agriculture 
on section 27. conies of good old Scottish ancestry, 
having been born in the land of the thistle, near 
the city of Glasgow, on the 4th of March, 18;i;',. 
He is the son of John and Rose (Mortem) King, 
and was the third of :i family of six children. His 
father was a Captain of the Scottish F"u,sileers, aud 
participated in the battle of Waterloo, under the 
Duke of Wellington. He was a man of strong 
character, energetic aud ambitious, and after the 
countr}' had resumed the garb of peace, returned 
and passed the renuiinder of his life among the hills 
of his native land. 

William M. King, wlu^n a youth of fifteen years, 
set sail from his native shores for the United States. 
He had heard much of the opiiortunities afforded 
the 3'oung and enterprising eniigrant in this coun- 
try, and he now atlirms with pride and pleasure 
that his hopes have been more than realized. He 
landed in Boston during the winter season, and 
from there proceeded to Oregon, where he enlisted 
in the arm}', becoming a member of the 1st Oregon 
Mounted Infantry, each man of which furnished 
his own horse. Our young hero became a member 
of Kit Carson's company, aud served about thirteen 
months, in which time he gained great proticienc} 



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512 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



with the rifle. He became a friend of Kit Carsou, 
and one of his warmest admirers, viewing the brave 
acts of his leader with that enthusiasm which is 
natural to the young. In is.ia (iov. Stevens sent 
Carson through the Indian Nation, accompanied 
by a iialf-breed boy. During the journey they 
were pursuccl by a b;ind of tiiirty Indians; their 
horses wi'vv worn out, and he dismounted and dis- 
tracted the attention of the red men wiiile the boy 
lassoed t>vo ponies lielonging to tliem. These the 
boy and Carson then mounted and made good their 
escape. 

After ills term of service had expired young 
King went down into California, and was engaged 
there in the mines for al)out six years. lie was 
fairl}' successfid in liis search for the shining ore, 
and secured enough to start him in l)usiness. lie 
accordingly proceeded to San Francisco, and until 
H(i3 engaged in buying and selling horses. «hicli 
yielded him a good income. He then came East 
as far as Iowa, and purchased eiglity acres of land 
in Wapello County, with tlie intention of estal)lish- 
ing a iiermanent home. He began the improve- 
ment and cultivation of his purchase, to which lie 
added from time to time, and in the meanwhile 
erected a comfortable farm-house, with a good 
barn and other necessary out-buildings. He is 
now the possessor of 2.54 acres in this county and 
1 ()0 acres in Dent County, Mo. He has given much 
attention to the Ijreeding of fine stocli, for which 
purpose he has uiuisually Hue accomnio(hitions. 
His yarcls are supplied with water from a never- 
failing spring, which is conducted to the adjoining 
fields through convenient [lipcs. His sheds and 
stables are of first-class description, au<l everything 
in and about the estate ilenotes the supervision of 
a wise judgment and an intelligent mind. 

The marriage of William King and .Miss .lessica 
Knox was celebrated on the lotii of December. 
1H63, at tlie home of tlie l)ride's parents in Colum- 
liia Townslii|). .Mrs. King was born on tlie 2.Stli 
of April, l!-(41, in Logan Count.y. Ohio, and is the 
diiughter of Peter and Mary (Peach) Kno.x, na- 
tives respectively of \irginia and Ohio. Hy hei' 
iniion with our subject she has become the mother 
of six children: Leonard died in infancy; Mary. 
\\'illiam, Lillian M., Myrtle L. and Cora .uc all at 




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home. Mr. King has afforded his children the ad- 
vantages of a good education, which has included 
musical and art studies, all of them being tine 
pianists and having decided musical talent. 

Mr. King made the passage to this country on 
the ship ".John Gilpin," and came by the way of 
Calcutta and the East Indies, serving as cabin-boy 
to pay his passage. During the trip he saw many 
strange things and strange people, and can relate a 
host of interesting incidents which transpired on 
the long voyage hither, and which, to the ears of 
the young who have never seen the sea, ai)pear like 
a fairy tale in a story book. 

In politics our snliject is an uncompromising 
Democrat, and takes pride in the fact that he has 
made a recoixl in his community as an honest man 
and a good citizen, and as one who h:is taken a 
genuine interest in the welfare of his county and 
township. 

A lithographic view c>f the residence of Mr. King 
is shown on another page of this volume. 



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/OSHUA MARSHALL, a retired farmer, liv- 
ing in the village of Kirkville, Wapello 
County, is a native of Surry County, N. C, 
^ijl his birth taking place Oct. 24. I.sti7. His 
father. William Marshall, was born in Chatham 
County, N. C. in ITOti, and died in Hendricks 
County, Ind., March 7, 1840; his occupation was 
that of a farmer. His mother. Elizabeth (l?ill>) 
Marshall, was born in New .Jersey about 1772. and 
died in Kirkville in March. ISCI. 

.loshua Marshall was reared upon a farm and re 
ceived but a very limited education. In com|)any 
with his parents he nK)ved from North Carolina to 
Indiana in 182(1, where he remained till the fall of 
1.S47. when he removed to Wapello County. Iowa. 
Before leaving Indiana he was united in mairi.ige 
with Mary Cook, who was born in Stokes County. 
N. C, in 1S03, and the daughter of John and Ly<lia 
(Hussey) Cook. Her parents both died in Indiaua. 
Seven children were born of this union: Lucinda. 
widow of Nelson McCracken, lives in Leavenworth. 
Kan.; .Melinda is deceased; .1. W . married Mi-. 
Hurke\, ;uid is now living in ()iiialK\. Neb., engaged 



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ill tlip real-estflto business; AVillinin B. and Mnrv 
A. are (lecejiscd ; Nancy .1. is tlie wife of .1. \\ . 
Woods, of I'lnttMiiciitli. Neb. ; .losluKi 11. !,- df- 
eeased. Mrs. .Mai>li:ill ilied .lau. 11, l^/).}, and Mr. 
Marshall was again married in ls.')4, to Hebeceti 
Morrow, born in Highland County, Ohio, Ajiril |m. 
1811S, and the dau<rliter of .lolm and Aliiirail (I'at- 
terson) Morn.>w. TIk'N' have three daughters : An- 
geline P.arker is married to Daniel McLane, and 
lives in Kirkville; Sarah E. is the wife of Kdward 
A. Oliver, and lives in IMattsmouth, Xeli. ; Fainiie 
S. Morrow is the wife of IV V. McOothlen, and lives 
in Kirkville. 

Mr. Marshall is the owner of a good home, and 
also four other dwelling-houses, which he rents, in 
the village of Kirkville. He has held the ottice of 
.lustice of the Peace for fifteen years in Kirkville. 
He is an ordained Klder of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, having been set apart in that office in 
ISi'J. His wife is also a member of the same 
church. Politically Mr. Marshall is a Republican. 
His son. John W., was a Captain in Co. H, 2(1 Neb. 
Vol. Cav., and served as Postmaster of Platts- 
mouth. Neb., for twenty-two years. 



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.^^ A.MIEL i,lLl'.l HN it CO.. of Ottumwa, 
^^^ one of the most prominent and successful 
111// D) l)usiness (irms of this city, are conilucting 
a thriving trade as shippers of butter and 
eggs, the Inisiness being established by .Samuel 
Lilburn in 1h71. .Mr. .lohnson is head l)ook- 
keeper and general manager of the business. A. .1 
Chambers, assistant book-keeper and manager, hav- 
ing been with .Mr. Lilburn for many years, is iield 
in high esteem for his business qualifications. 

Mr. Lilburn comes from an excellent old family 
of Scotcii-Itish ancestry, and wa,s liorn near Helfjist, 
IrehuKJ, in IS.So. He is a son of Hugh and .Jane 
(.Strong) Lilburn, also natives of the Emerald Isle. 
His father spent his entire life in his native coun- 
try, and died there at the age of seventy-nine 
years. He was a farmer by occupation, a straight- 
forward honest man, and transmitted to his son 
those excellent qualities which have constituted 



1 nil 111 



* ""»**T^tXXJ^ ' 'T^"l'""* 



him a good Imsiness manager and upright in his 
transactions with his fellow-men. 'I'lie mother of 
our subject died in lrcl:nid in 1 H4.'). 

Samuel l,ilbuni emigrated from his native coun- 
try in lHt;i.Mn<l made his first location in St. Louis, 
.Mo., wheic he engaged in the produce business for 
seven years. He came to (Jttumwa in IH71 and 
estiiblished his present business, which ii.as been 
successful from the stai-t. 

The subject of our sketch was married in 1853, 
in irehiTid. to Miss Isabella .1. Lilburn, a native of 
the same. The\' l)ecame the parents of four chil- 
dren, one of w-hom. Eiunia. died at the age of two 
years, anil was Ijuried in St. Louis. .Sarah is the 
wife of A. W. .lohnson, and Annie is at home. 

Mr. and Mrs. L. are members in good standing 
of the Presbyterian Churcii. Tlie\' occupy a han<l- 
sonie residence and are surrounded by all the com- 
forts and many of the luxuries of life. Mr. L. 
began at the foot of tiie ladder, and has climbed up 
without other aid tii.'in his own perseverance and 
industry-. He is the possessor of valuable real es- 
tate in Ottumwa, including several business build- 
ings on JIain street and seven dwelling-houses. 
He is Republican in politics, and the suppporter 
and encourager of every enterprise calculated to 
promote the welfare of his coinmunity. 

.Mr. A. N. .Johnson, the son-in-law of our sub- 
ject, has Ijeen a resident of Ottumwa for the past 
eiglit years, and during thai length of time has es- 
talilished himself in the confidence of the com- 
munity as a straightforward business man and a 
citizen worthy of honor. He is a native of Seneca 
County, Ohio, born in 1H.')4. and the son of L. S. 
and S. R. .Johnson, natives respectively of England 
and Ohio. His father was a minister of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. He received a goo(J edu- 
cation and taught school in Ohio two years after he 
liad Completed his studies. He then took up the 
study of law. and was admitted to the bar in -•Au- 
gust. IH7H, after which he came to the city of Ot- 
tumwa, practicing his profession here until istil, 
and then practically al>andoning it to engage in his 
present l>usine.ss. 

Mr. .lohnson was married, in .June. 1884, to Miss 
.Sadie Lilburn, the daughter of Samuel Lilburn. 
He is the owner of valuable real estate in this 







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AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



cit.v. ;md occupies a plea-^ant home on East Fourth 
street. He and his wife are connected witii the 
Methodist C'hurcli. Mr. .1. is a niemlier of the I. 
O. O. F. andjthc A. F. A- A. -M. His parents are 
still living and reside in Huron County. Ohio. 

--^ ^-^ ^ 



1/ AFAYETTE CAMPBELL, piiysician and 
j) druggist of Chillicotlie, lias been a resident 
^. of this State since 18.')1, and in tliat time 
lias established himself in the confidence of the 
people of this section as a skillful practitioner, a 
straightforw;ird business man. and a useful member 
of society. 

I^r. Campbell w.is l)orn in InidU County, Ohio, 
on the 1 1th of June, 184."). He is the son of John 
B. and Elizabeth (Kenner) Campljell, his father a 
, native of Penns^ivania and the mother of Ohio. 
^*^ The former died when our subject was about eight- 
H Cj een months old, and at the tender age of five years 
^^ j he was bound out to Samuel Hoover who, in the fall 
j!j |, of 1850, emigrated to Missiouri, and the following 
l llla^ll spring came to Iowa. In the fall of 18.i2 he came 
KJ H to Ottunnva and from there went to a farm in 
iz, ®i Richland Townshiii. which 1 



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he only occupied until 
tiie following spring. In this latter year our sub- 
ject was placed in a woolen factory, where he 
sei'ved three years, and then Mr. Hoover died, in 
the spring of 18,i8. After the death of Mr. H., 
3'oung Campbell, for the following four years, 
i| (i} worked on the fai'm of Peter Knox, with whom he 
W^ remained until the 4th of August, 18fi2. The late 
war being then in ])rogress, he enlisted in Co. D, 
.'Uith Iowa \o\. Inf., and joined his regiment at 
Keokuk, Iowa, whence they proceeded to St. Louis, 
and were sotm afterward sent to Memphis, Tenn., 
and not long afterward engaged in the battle of 
Shell Mound, Ark. Hcturning to Helena young 
Campbell, with others of his company, was placed 
on picket guard under a heavy fire from the enemy, 
which lasted about ten hours. During this engage- 
ment he was captured, made his escape three times 
and was tliree times recaptured. At every oppt)r- 
tnnity he tried to escape, but was taken by the 
enemy to Little Hock, where he was detained a 
prisoner until the 28th of September. He was then 




paroled and taken to' the Federal lines near tlie 
nioutii of the Arkansas River, and thence again to 
Benton Barracks. He soon afterward joined iiis 
regiment at Little Rock, remaining at that point 
until the 2oth of March, 1864, and then started on 
the Camden campaign, during which tlir entire 
brigade was captured, with 240 wag(ms. On the 
2;")th of April, about sunset, the rebels started away 
with their prisoners, and marched that night and 
tile next day a distance of si.xty miles, without rest 
or food. After crossing the AVashute River they 
drew their first rations, a pint of corn meal, which 
was wet with water and cooked. They then re- 
turned to Camden, where the prisoners were robbed 
of ever3'thing they had. their jiioney and the main 
part of their clothing, and after lying at this place 
a few da3s were started for Shreveport. When 
within about thirty miles of the place our subject 
with one of his comrades, Thomas West, attempted 
to escai)e, and were out four days and nights. They 
were oveitaken, however, near jMendon, Ark., and 
started once more for Shreveport, j-oung Campbell 
at every opportunity still trying to escape, but each 
time failing. After spending about four days at 
this place they were started on a march of 120 
miles for the rebel stronghold situated in Tyler, 
Tex., which they reached in about twenty days, 
where young Campbell, true to his former in- 
stincts, a number of times attempted to get away. 
He was here run down b3' blood-hounds and [nit 
into the Tyler prison, where he remained in close 
confinement for about a month, when he again at- 
tempted his escape and was successful. This was 
effected in the following manner: He had a friend 
who acted as nurse in the hospital, just outside, 
and sent out his haversack for this finend to fill 
with gra])es. The friend, upcm returning the hav- 
ersack, slipped into it a pass for two, and with 
this om- hero iind one of his comrades, B. F. Gor- 
don, marciied boldly out. They had secured for 
their provisions five pounds of cooked flour. After 
journeying twent3'-one days Gordon was recaptured 
near Camden. Our subject made his way to Little 
Rock, a distance of ."500 miles, without a guide and 
unarme<l. The first night the fugitives were out 
rain fell continuously, and the darkness was such 
they were obliged to grope thier way by slow de- 



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S}-!k grees, and when da_ylight came secreted tliemselves 
[ijl in the swamjis. The ln-ead soured the fifth daj- 

}:$ out, and tliev .soon used all the matches with which 

i:it: ' •' 

1 1^(5 they had provided themselves in ordei- to luiild a 
IsS fii'e. On the tenth niffht oiit the fugitives sui' 
i'tiP ceeded in capturing two horses, with which they 
made a distance of thirty miles that night. The.\- 
is finally concluded this was altogether too stylish a 
sE mode of convej-ance and would attract the atten- 
tion of their enemies, so thej- turned the horses 
loose and pursued their way on foot as before. The 
second night thej^ crossed the Sabine River three 
times, each time Ijy swimming, and for two nights 
thereafter wei'e in the rain and without anj^ fire. 
On the thirteenth night out the}- crossed the Sul- 
phur River, near its confluence with the Red River; 
,;'b our subject now was nearly destitute of clothing. 
}:§ and on the fourteenth night was obliged to swim 
\\i this river also. 'J'he following daj' it began to rain, 
and thej' lay in the Red River bottom without even 
'g a fire. To add to their distress Mr. Campbell had 
E twenty-seven boils, and on the morning of the 
■? twenty-first day they came in contact with three 
C rebel officers, near Camden, Ark., whom they at- 
I tempted to convince of their identity as rebels. In 
iliS this, however, they failed, as the officers coolly in 

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uE as good time .as they could 

I jj condition, and at three o'clock that 

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formed them that they were escaped •' Yanks," and 

if they did not go with them willingly they should 

go by force. Neither party were armed, and the 

rebels started ot¥ for re-enforcements; in the mean- 

i|E time Cam[)bell and his friend started for a swamp 

;'E in the opposite direction, in which they traveled 

lib for several hours, and after striking dry land made 

in their half-starved 

lay ate their 

last bread. For eight days afterward they had 

nothing but raw corn, and Mr. Gordon, almost mad 

[| with suflfering and privation, resolved to face death 

E in the attempt to procure something to eat. Starting 

E for a shanty at some distance away he remarked to 

our subject. " If I am not back witliin an hour or 

where I can signal \-ou, I will lie captured or 

killed." He was again taken prisoner and sent 

back to Tylei-, Tex. Young Campbell waited until 

about sundown and resumed his journey to J^ittle 

Hock, whicli was ninety miles away. Tiiat night 

he gut two biscuits of an old lady, and witli a pari 



•of one pacified the l)lood-hound which was ready 
to follow him. After four nights of travel he finally 
reached Jjittle Rock, having had nothing but the 
biscuit and a half during the last four days of forty 
miles' travel. This terrible journey had consumed 
twenty-five days and nights. When Mr. Campbell 
started out from Tyler he weighed 140 pounds, and 
when he reached Little Rock he pulled down the 
.scales at just 100. After this bitter experience he 
was allowed a tiiirty days' furlough, and returned 
home to recruit. He then rejoined his regiment, 
finding however, only a remnant of the brave old 
36th, sonic of his comrades having been captured 
and fallen the victims of rebel cruelty, privation 
and exposure, and .some being shot down in battle. 
The troubles of our subject, however, were not 
ended. On the 4th of Julj^, 186.0, while on guard 
at the headquarters of Gen. Shay lor he received :i 
sunstroke, from the effects of which he is now par- 
tially paral^-zed. No one can say that he did not 
suffer for the cause of the Union, and on the 24th 
of August of that same year he received his hon- 
orable discharge at Devall's Bluff, and reached his 
home on the 8th of .September following. 

In October of that same year 3Ir. Campbell went 
to Union Count}^ Ohio, and in March following- 
entered the State University at Athens, where he 
pursued a thorough course of study for one year. 
He then returned to Union and entered the office 
of Dr. J. Q. Suthard, of Newton, Ohio, and with 
him pursued the study of medicine until the fall of 
18l'i8, and spring of 1«69. He then attended two 
courses of lectures in the Cleveland Medical Col- 
lege, and commenced the practice of his profession 
in Chillicothe, this State. He was in partnership 
with Dr. .S. P. Johnson until the spring of 1870. 

Dr. Campbell and jNIiss Mary Olne}' were united 
in marriage in Chillicothe on the 2;5d of JIarch, 
1«70. They removed to Newton, Putnam Co., 
Mo., lemaining there one year, from there to 
Unionville, ]Mo., and then, returning to Chillicothe, 
our subject resumed his old jjractice with good re- 
sults. In the meantime he had become the father 
of three children — Elsie E., Marcus D. and Emma 
M. Jan. 7, 1877, the young wife and mother was 
called to her long home, leaving her husband and 
three little cliildren to nidiiru an irreparable loss. 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Oil the 30th of September, 1877, Dr. Campbell was 
married to Mis.s Isabel Stodghill, and of this union 
there were born two children — lames B. and Orplia 
J). On the 2!»th of .September, 1H86, our subject 
was bereft of his second wife. 

Dr. Ciimpliell was stricken down with partial par- 
al.ysis. in .hine, 1884, which principallj- affected his 
left side. lie partial!}- gave up practice, and bought 
out the drug stock, where he is now found ready to 
give advice and put up prescriptions for the sick 
and afflicted. During the active .years of his prac- 
tice he was remarkably successful and built nj) a 
large patronage, and is now in the enjoyment of a 
competency. Our subject is a stanch Republican 
in politics, and a member of the (i. A. R., Cloutman 
Post No. 09, Ottumwa. He also belongs to the 
County Medical Association, and is an honored 
member of the profession in this portion of the 
.State. 



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OSES O'BRIP^N, a successful farmer and 
stock-raiser of Keokuk Township, occupies 

fw Is a tine homestead on section 29, and in the 
— . * various branches of his business is meeting 

with success. Mr. O'Brien is a native of Irehuid, 
having been born on Vinegar Hill, Count}' Wexford, 
Aug. lij, 1826. He is the son of Michael and 
Catharine (Doyle) O'Brien, who passed their en- 
tire lives in their native land, and are now deceased. 
The maternal grandfather of our subject was a 
Captain in the Rebellion of 1798, in Ireland, and 
took an active part in that Revolution. H? was 
tinall}' captured by the English, shot and gibbeted. 
In those days the manner of executing the latter 
ignominy was by taking a large gunnj^ sack cov- 
ered with tar and pitch, into which was placed the 
body of the victim and was then hung upon a tri- 
ll angle, remaining there until it fell to ])ieces, and 
3 even after this the bones were not al'owed Chris- 
tian burial, but were to remain upon the ground in 
sight as an example to rising generations. 

Moses O'Brien arrived in the Ignited States in 
18,54, landing in New York Cit}'. He remained 
there until the following year, and then removed 
to Pennsylvania, going thence to Galena, 111., and 



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from there to New Boston, Mercer County, where 
he engaged on a ferry-l)oa(. His fortunes then led 
him into Mt. Pleasant. Iowa, where he accepted a 
situation in the asylum, and was employed there 
for the following ten years. In 1 866 he came to 
Wapello County and pureha.sed forty acres of land, 
upon which he began to establish n home and to 
which he has added in acreage and value until he 
is now the possessor of 120 acres, finely improved 
and cultivated, and supplied with a valuable set of 
farm buildings, lie has all the necessar}' farm 
machiner}' and im])lements for the successful pros- 
ecution of agriculture, and in addition to mixed 
husbandry, is giving much attention to the breed- 
ing of fine cattle. The homestead is a model one 
and one of the attractive spots of this section of 
country. 

The marriage of Mr. O'Brien with Miss Bridget 
Brennen was celebrated on the 29th of August. 
18o7, after he had become a citizen of the West. 
The parents of Mrs. O'Brien were natives of Ireland, 
where the}' spent their entire lives, and where their 
remains are buried. They were devoted members of 
the Catholic faith, to which religion their daughter 
also adhered during her entire life. Mrs. O'Brien 
remained the faitliful and affectionate companion 
of her husband until 1874. when she departed this 
life at their home in Keokuk Township. Of their 
union there were born five children — ;\Iichael, Ed- 
ward, Richard, Thomas and Mary C. 

On the 20th of Octol)er, 1874, Mr. O'Brien was 
the second time married, to Miss Mary, the daugh- 
ter of James and Mar}' (Ryan) Finn. The parents 
were n.atives of Ireland, but are now residents of 
Northumberland, Upper Canada. Of the second 
marriage of Mr. O'Brien there have been born seven 
children, as follows: Patrick J. was born July 24, 
187.T; Moses John. Oct. 19, 1876; Julia A., Feb. 
25, 1878; Joseph L.. Sept. 6. 1880; Margaret E., 
Oct. 14, 1882; Willi.im I)., .Sept. i;^. 1884; Eliza- 
beth J., Dec. 13, 1.S8,"). 

Mr. O'Brien in all respects is fulfilling the obli- 
gations of a good citizen. He possesses a great 
amount of energy and industry, and has been prom- 
inent in the affairs of his township, holding its va- 
lious local offices, and being the encourager and 
supporter of everything calculated to promote its 



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'■?■ '- He and his wife are faithful adherents of the Cath- 
m;: olic Church, and Mr. O'Brien in politics is an un- 
; compromising Democrat. 



(S^^HOMAS M. DICKENS, of Wapello County, 
ffn^\ is a native of North Carolina, and was born 
^^_§y March 12, 1802. His parents were James 
and Mar3' (Haskins) Dickens, both natives of West 
Virginia. The parents removed to Ohio, where 
the father died near Gallipolis in 1812, when our 
subject was but ten years old. The latter was 
then taken into the home of Mr. Langford, where 
he remained five years and then started out to 
seek his fortune. He had no particular point in 
view, but after walking thirtj'-tive miles found eni- 
plo^meut in Jackson County, in the salt works_ 
After two years he started on foot for the Kan. 
awha salt works in ^'irginia, a distance of 100 miles. 
He worked there five years, then returned to Jack- 
son County, Ohio, and from there went to San- 
dusky. 

In December, 1824, Mr. Dickens was united in 
marriage with Miss Elizabeth Staley, of Crawford 
County, Ohio. He then bought up a lot of cattle, 
but being taken ill was unable to care for them and 
they got away and were scattered over the county. 
He was disabled for two years. In 1827 he pur- 
chased a farm of eighty acres, adding to it until it 
aggregated 400 acres. He then decided to come 
West, and landing in Wapello Countj- in 184o, 
waited one year before the establishment of a land- 
office so that he could purchase. \Vhen this was 
effected he secured 320 acres and put in his crops. 
He then went back to Ohio after his family, and 
returned to Iowa in October. He then proceeded 
uninterruptedly with the improvement of his farm, 
and made other jjurchases from time to time until 
he became one of the largest land-owners in that 
part of the State. 

The household of our subject was completed bj' 
the birth of ten children, seven sons and three 
daughters : Marj', the wife of John Hooker, died in 
Wyandotte Countj', Ohio, in 1847; James A. and 
Thomas M. died May 21, 1847; Catharine A. and 



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Anthony died in Ohio; Malachi and Harvey are 
both living in this county; Elizabeth is the wife of 
A. B. Phelps ; George W. lives in this county ; Hiram 
H. died Nov. 21, 1864, and is buried in Dickens 
Cemetery. Mrs. Elizabeth Dickens departed this 
life May 21, 1863. The second wife of our sub- 
ject was Miss Margaret A^illiams, who became the 
mother of two children, a son and daughter : Emma 
is living at home; E. D. died Nov. 18, 1875. 

Politically Mr. Dickens is a stanch Eepublican. 
He is in all respects a representative citizen, and 
has filled many of the local offices with credit. 



^^APT. DAVID L. HARDY, a prominent 
[|( and prosperous farmer of Adams Township, 

^^^J owns and occupies a fine homestead on sec- 
tion 7, and is one of the representative .agricultur- 
ists and business men of Wapello County. 

Our subject first opened his eyes to the light among 
the rugged New England hills, having been born in 
Franklin County, Vt.,on the 22d day of February, 
1828. His parents were David and Martha (Taft) 
Hardj', natives respectively of New Hampshire and 
Massachusetts. The mother was reared in the .So- 
ciety of Friends. Her parents removed to Franklin 
County when she was quite Aoung, and her father 
was a Lieutenant in the War of 1812, in which he 
distinguished himself for bravery, and for which 
he was promoted. The grandfather of Mrs. H. 
served in the Revolutionary^ War and in the War of 
1812, although not having regularly enlisted, con- 
stituting himself one of the guard to protect the 
women and children at the time of the battle of 
Plattsburg, in which he did good service with his 
musket. When found near the battle-ground he 
was asked by some what he was doing there, and 
he replied, " You well know I couldn't staj' at home 
when I heard of the enemy coming from Montreal." 
This sturdy old gentleman was of Scottish extrac- 
tion and a fine representative of the honest and 
sturdy character of his race, and took a great inter- 
est in the affairs and prosperitj- of the colonies. 

The parental household of our subject included 
seven children, two sons and five daughters, who 
are recorded as follows: Benson is a resident of 



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WAPELLO 



COUNTY. 






Cleveliiiifl, Ohio; .Mary hocaini' the wife of Harri- 
son Morgan, now (Icceased. and lives in Kansas 
City; Frances niarrieil .1. I >. Tyler, of Chicago; 
Hebecca, .Mrs. R. Rnniliic. lives at Wheaton, 111.; 
David, our sniijecl. was the yunngestof thefaniil3'. 
In l.s.'jS tile latliei' removed to Chicago. He died 
in l.s')2, and the mother a year later, in Chicago: 
lioth were mendiers i>f the Presliyterian Church. 

Capt. Ilai'(ly i if our sketch went with his parents 
to Chicago. III., wiien a lad of ten years old. Two 
years later he left home and went to sea, his first 
cruise being fmm .\ew Orleans to Rio Janeiro, 
Brazil, thence to Fiance. At the time of the Mex- 
ican Wai' he enlisted in the navy, and was on the 
frigate •• CnmVierland," under Perry. After leav- 
ing -Mexico he was detailed as one of the party 
under Lieut. L\'nch to visit the Holy Land, and .is- 
sist in the coast survey from .Jerusalem to .lojipa. 
Here Lieut Dale died, and Capt. Ilai'dy assumed 
the position of master's mate, spending about nine 
months in the East. He returned to America in 
the winter of 1848, and the following spring went 
to California, and engaged in mining until lH^>:i. 
Then, on account of failing health, he resolved 
upon another sea voy.age and was placed in com- 
mand as Captain of the brig "Etna," making a trip 
to Honolulu, the Sandwich Islands, thence to Sitka, 
Alaska, and then returned to the mines of Cali- 
fornia. In 1 8.')8 he went east as far as Chicago, and 
was tliere married to Miss Elizabeth M. Gunsall, of 
Schenet:tady, N. Y. After their marriage Capt. 
Hardy and his wife came to Wapello County, Iowa, 
which has remained the home of our subject since 
that time, with the exceptifin of a few years spent 
in Colorado. 

At the breaking out of the late war in 18(11, 
Capt. Hardy raised a company of volunteers with 
the intention of forming an Iowa regiment. But 
the company was afterward transferred to the First 
Cavalry, and Cajjt. Hard}' was promoted to the 
command of Company M, thus becoming a militarj' 
Captain. After brave and faithful .service of three 
and one-half years he was mustered out at Ft. 
Leavenworth, Kan., on the 10th of December, 1 804. 
He then returned to Wapello County, of w'hich he 
has been a resident since that time. He is now en- 
gaged in farming pursuits and is the owner of a 




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snug home-stead in Adams Township, which em- 
braces eighty acres of land, with a comfortable 
dwelling, barns and outhouses, and is enjoying the 
good things of life. 

Capt. Hardy is Heiniblican in politics, and has 
been identified with the interests of the township 
as one of its most valued citizens. He has held 
the oHice of County Commissioner, and in other 
respects has eontrilmted his share tow.nrd its pros- 
perity and advancement. The household of our 
subject and his wife includes three children : Frank, 
now of Blakesburg; Fred, who is in Colorado, and 
.Tohn, at home with his jxarents. 



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^/ILLIAM CLOVl), a pioneer settler of this 
county, was born in North Carolina ou 
the nth of April, 1S24. His father was 
born in 171)G, and his mother in 1802, both be- 
ing natives of that State. In 1 820 they emi- 
grated to Ohio, whence, four years later, they re- 
moved to Rush County, lud. Here the father 
opened up a farm and established a comfortable 
home, which they occupied until 1847. They then 
came to Wapello Countj-, and he entered a tract of 
land in Adams township. 

The subject of our sketch was the eldest of his 
parents' family, and was but two years old when 
they removed to Ohio, and six when they went to 
Indiana. His early education w.is obtained in the 
subscription schools of Rush C'ount3', and was ex- 
ceedingly limited; luit he was trained to habits of 
indu,str3' and honesty, and enjoyed the respect and 
confidence of all who knew him. In 1845 he 
crossed the Mississippi and spent two 3ears in Linn 
County, Iowa, where he taught school. He was 
married in November, 184.J, to Miss Elvira Chris- 
tie, who was born in Arkansas Oct. 8, 1824. They 
afterward settled in Adams Township, this county, 
on section 9, before the soil had been disturbed by 
the plowshare. Here our subject opened up his 
farm and still holds the patent, which wsis signed 
by President Taylor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Clo3'd became the parent> of three a| 
children: Cynthia, Mrs. Harlan, of this county; Ja 
Ella, Mrs. John T. Parker, of Leavenworth. Kan 

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and Perry E., living in this connt3'. Our subject 
is Democrntie in politics. ;uid has lield various li)cal 
offices. He has been County Su|)ervisor, and at 
one time saved to his county' the sum of !4!3,000 by 
the substitution of gold for greenbacks. He has 
always been actively interested in tlie welfare and 
prosperity of his conimiinitj*, and presents a. strik- 
ing illustration of a man who eonniienced life poor 
in purse but with an abundance of courage and 
determiniitiou. The possessions which he enjoys 
to-day have lieen accumulated by hard work, and 
his excellent personal, traits of charaetei' have won 
for him hosts of friends. Mrs. Cloyd is connected 
with the Baptist Chureii and is greatlj' esteemed 
for her many virtues, having been a faithful and 
affectionate wife and mother, a generous friend, and 
the liberal lielper and encourager of the pof)r and 
needv. 



e HAULERS .SCHICK, engaKed in the manu- 
f.acture of staves and barrels, also a dealer 
in hardwood lumber, at Ottumwa, has his 
office on the corner of Samanthaand Benton streets, 
and is doing a thriving business. He was born in 
Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, .July 24, 1847, being 
the son of Jacob and Charlotte (Dinsdorf) Schick, 
who emigrated to the United States in 1849, ac- 
companied bj' our subject. They located in Buffalo, 
N. Y., where they remained about a year. During 
that year the mothei' and one daughter died with 
cholera, leaving the father with two small children, 
and in destitute circumstances. In 1850 he re- 
moved to Racine, Wis., and after a residence there 
of about seven years went to Lawrence, Kan., where 
they were engaged in the bakery business during 
the border ruffian war. At this time the older 
son, Valentine, left home without giving any warn- 
ing, and was not heard from until 1872. Then 
Charles S. accidentally heard of him through a com- 
rade who was in the same company with him dur- 
ing the Rebellion ; he was running a hack line in 
•Montana. After receiving a letter from his brother 
he immediately sold out and came home, where he 
was made welcome by the father and brother who 
had anxiously sought his whereabouts for these long 
years. .Soon after Valentine left home Mr. Schick 




was compelled to take his son Charles and leave 
Kansas for a more peaceable section, abandoning 
his bakerj' and other business to the ruffians of that 
Territor3\ They then located in Le Claire, Iowa, 
and were there residents for about two years. In 
18.59 the father and son sailed for New Orleans, 
and thence to California on board of the steamship 
Daniel Webster, landing in San Francisco, where 
they lived for about one year, during which time 
the father followed his trade, that of a baker. He 
then sold out and went to Carson City, where he 
was prospecting for a time, and thence moved to 
Santa Clara, C'al., where the father engaged in the 
b.aker}' business, and the sou attended the Uni- 
versitj' of the Pacific, for two years. From the 
latter place they went to San .lose, where the father 
engaged in the manufacture of brick, and made the 
brick for the first depot built in tli.at place. Liv- 
ing there until 1866, thej' returned, bj' the way of 
New York, to Davenport, this State, which latter 
city they reached after a tedious voyage of twenty- 
six daj'S. They rem.ained in Davenport during the 
winter, and in the spring of the following year 
moved to Lee County, Iowa, where the father pur- 
chased a farm on which they located, and where he 
engaged in its cultivation and improvement. They 
lived on this farm for thi-ee years, when the father 
with his son moved to Ottumwa, where he has 
made his home until the present time. 

.J.acob Schick was born in Darmstadt, Germany, 
April 10, 1821, and is a son of Valentine and Mar- 
garet (Lawrence) Schick, both of whom died in 
Germany. He was the second time married, to 
Mrs. Lucinda Carpenter, widow of J. W. Car- 
penter, one of the worthy pioneer settlers of this 
county, their wedding taking place Dec. 27, 1885. 
Mrs. Schick was a daughter of Nathaniel and Anna 
(Leech) Robison. Her parents were natives of 
Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively, and were 
both members of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Schick 
was born and reared in Indiana, and is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The one 
daughter of herself and her former husband, who 
was the wife of L. E. Gray, of this countj', died 
in 1881. 

Charles Schick, the subject of this sketch, was 
maried to Elizabeth Lawson Oct. 24, 1809. She 




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was bora in Danville. 111.. Oct. 4, IX.i'i, and is a 
daughter of U. .S. La«.>i>n. Her father and mother 
are living at Rose Hill, Iowa. Of the union of our 
subject with Miss Lawson four children have been 
born — Iowa, Maggie, Charles J. and William D. 
Mr. Schick and son of this notice are the proprie- 
tors of 367 acres of line farming land, eighty of 
which are in pasture. He onl_y has thirty acres under 
cultivation, and thirty acres of his land are where 
the brick- works are located. He has a good dwell- 
ing on his place, and is also the proi)rietor of sev- 
eral tenement houses in the city. Socially he is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to 
Lodge No. 2()9, of Ottuniw.-i. In politics he is a 
Kepublican. 

KXKV REINHAUD, a highly respected 
resident of Green Township, is located on 
section 30 and successfully engaged in gen- 
eral farming. He is a native of the CJer- 
man Empire and was born in Prussia in 1822. His 
parents were Frederick Lawrence and Elizabeth 
(Miller) Reinhard, both natives of Germany, where 
the father followed the peaceful occupation of a 
farmer. Young Reinhard remained under the pa- 
rental roof until he was eighteen years of age and 
then resolved to emigrate to the L'nited States. 
He embarked on the American .sailing-vessel "Ot- 
toliara," commanded by C'apt. Sampson, of Boston, 
and sailed from the harbor of Bremen on the 16th 
day of May, 1840. After a voyage of sixt.y- three 
daj's, during which they encountered several severe 
storms, our subject landed in Baltimore, Md. After 
two months spent there he went to Ohio .and lo- 
cated in Muskingum County and engaged in farm- 
ing through the summer .season, and during the 
winter shipped wood down the river to New Or- 
leans. He was thus occupied until the beginning 

ilof the Mexican War, when he enlisted as a LTnited 

g,States soldier, and after being in camp two months 
was discharged on account of an overplus of niun- 
bers. He then came to Wapello County, Iowa, 

Band purchased 2 1 3 acres of unimproved land. In 
the course of a few weeks he leased this to a man 
named John L. Wissau for two years, and then re- 

■^urued to Ohio where he engaged in coopering. 



He was thus occupied until 18.51, when he again 
staited (jverland for the West. After lenviug Mus- 
kingum County he was tweuty-one days on the 
road, which was then considered a very quick trip. 
He arrived on the 7th of October and has been a 
resident of this township since that time. 

.Mr. Reinhard was married, Jlay 16, 1849, to 
Miss Elizabeth Cline, a native of his own country, 
born in 1831, and the daughter of John T. and 
Mary C. (Young) Cline, also of (ierman ancestry 
and i)arentage. Our subject and his wife became 
the parents of ten children, who are recorded as fol- 
lows: Mary, a teacher, married John Bachniau, of 
Wapello County ; Catharine, Mrs. John W. Proctor, 
is a resident of Davis County, Iowa; Elizabeth is at 
home; F. L., a teacher, resides in this county; 
Martha is at home: Charles H. lives in Center 
Township; John W., a teacher, makes his home 
with his parents; George E., a teacher, lives in 
Green Towushi]!: Emma, a teacher, and Sojihia are 
at home. 

Mr. Reinhard commenced life a |)oor hoy, his 
present possessions being the result solely of his 
own persevering industry- and good management. 
He is now the owner of 480 acres of land, 300 of 
which are finely improved and under a good state 
of cultivation. The home dwelling is a model of 
convenience and comfort, au'l the barns and out- 
buildings correspond with the residence. The 
farm and its appointments constitute one of the 
finest estates in this localitj'. 

Mr. Reinhard has been prominent in the public 
.affairs of this section, and has held various offices 
within the gift of his townsmen. He has .served 
fifteen years on the Board of Supervisors, has been 
Sc'hool Treasurer and in all respects the encourager 
and supporter of ever}' work and purpose. He is 
Democratic in politics, and with his wife is con- 
nected with the Protestant Methodist Church. 

The father of our subject died in his native land 
in 1828, being cut down in the prime of life at the |^ 
age of thirty-five years. The mother survived her -- 



husband for seventeen years, dying also in the old 
country in 184.j, when fifty years of age. They 
were most excellent and worthy people and mem- 
bers in good standing in the Lutheran Church. 
Henry Reiuhartl received his early education iu 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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the High Schools of his native Germany. He is 
one of tlic oldest members of the L O. O. F. in this 
county and lias taken great interest in the success 
of the order. He has given his children a liberal 
education, thus fitting them to become worthy citi- 
zens of the great Republic whose development and 
growth has been largely assisted b}' the efforts of 
his countrymen, who brought with them. to this 
land the stanch and substantial character of the 
representative German citizen. A view of his 
iioinestead ajipears on another page. 



H. BUliXS, occupying a comfortable home- 
stead in Dahlonega Township, was born in 
Allegheny County, Pa., Nov. 4, 1 s;j,5. 
His parents were Robert and Jane (^Lar- 
shall) Burns, both natives of the same State and 
county. His paternal grandfather, Alexander 
Burns, was a native of Scotland, born in the town 
( )f Ayr, and after coming to this country was mar- 
ried to Miss Nancy Barnes, a native of jNLaryland. 
Robert Burns was the youngest of ten brothers and 
two sisters, all of whom lived to be over seventy 
years old, Ijut none reaching fourscore. He died 
in Alleghenj', Pa., in 1874. at the age of seventy- 
tive years. The mother survived until 1878, .ind 
departed this life when seventy-four 3"ears old. 
The parents were both reared in the Presbyterian 
faith, and lived consistent Christians. Their re- 
mains rest in the Valley Church Cemetery in Alle- 
gheny- Count}', Pa. 

The subject of our sketch ren'ovcd from his na- 
tive State in the spring of 1871, and crossing the 
Mississippi came into Iowa, and purchased 120 
acres of land, which constitutes his present home- 
stead. It is located on section 14, and he took 
possession of it in September following his arrival 
here. 

Mr. Burns was married, iuJefferson County, Iowa, 
to Mrs. Kirkiiatrick nee Ball, who was born in what 
is now Hancock County, W. \'a. She is the daugh- 
ter of Joseph and Margaret (Langtitt) Ball, the 
father a native of Loudoun Countj-, \'a., born 
Dec. 23, 1803, and the mother of Beaver County. Pa. 
riie little household of our sul)ject included two 
cliildrcn only, Margaret .M.. born .luly 14, 1.^72, 



and Robert B., July 31. 1879; they are both 
at home with their parents. The homestead of 
Mr. Burns includes 2.50 acres of land which is in a 
good state of cultivation, and ninety acres of 
which is prairie. He is principally engaged in 
stock-raising, and keeps u[ion an average eighty 
head of cattle and ten head t)f horses. He also 
owns lift}' acres of the old homestead in Allegheny 
Countj% Pa. 

Since coming to this vicinity Mr. Burns has been 
prominent in the local affairs of his community, 
having served as Township Trustee, and has been 
.lustice of the Peace for a period of eleven years. 
In 1877 he was nominated by the Republicans for 
Representative, but was defeated by seventy votes 
by the fusion of the Democrats and Greenbackers. 
During the late Civil War he was a strong Union 
man, and although he did not go to the Held, he 
did good work at home in aid of the cause, being 
persuaded by his friends and others interested that 
he could labor more effectually at home than by 
shouldering his musket and repairing to the scene 
of conflict. Before coming to Iowa Mr. Burns was 
the tax collector of his native county in Pennsyl- 
vania. The family residence is pleasantly located, 
and its inmates enjo}' the friendship and associa- 
tion of a large circle of friends. Mrs. Burns is a 
lady highly esteemed for her excellent qualities of 
character, and is prominently c<jnnected with the 
Christian Church. 

Joseph Ball, the father of Mrs. Burns, was a de- 
scendant of the same family of Balls from which 
Mary, the mothei' of George Washington, de- 
scended. His parents belonged to the Society of- 
Friends, and in politics he was a Republican with 
strong ab< )lition principles, and represented his dis- 
trict in the Lower House of the Legislature in 
18G9-70. His eldest .son, -'ohn F., was a soldier in 
the late war, and met his death at the battle of 
Prairie Grove, Ark., Dec. 7. 186-2, when only nine- 
teen years of age. Joseph Ball departed this life 
Dec. 2!». 187.5, when seventy-two years old. He 
was an Elder in the Christian Church, and a good 
man in every sense of the word. 

Margaret Ball, the mother of Mrs. Burns, came 
from a family of strong military piopensities. The 
urandfalher wat^ a soldier in the Revolutionary 



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War, ami her father in the War of 1812. Two 
brothers engaged in the Mexican War, and her two 
sons. .lohn and William, served in the late Civil 
War. Mrs. Hall was a ladj' iif mure than ordinary 
intellect, with a reniarivable memory, and was stand- 
ard aiitiiority on ancient history and the Hible. 
Her sympathies wen; always with the poor and dis- 
tressed. Besides a large family of her (jwn, she 
raised three mphan children, and toward them per- 
fiirmed the part of a kind and faitlifnl mother. 
She was beloved by all who knew her, and a con- 
sistent member of the Christian Church, having 
l)een baptized at the same time and place as her 
husband. She departed this life April 14, 187.5, 
aged sixty -seven years, and lies by the side of her 
husband in the cemeter3' at P'airfield, Iowa. 

The former husband of Mrs. Ball, (Gilbert B. 
Kirkpatrick, was an attorney at law, and served as 
a Union soldier in Co. B, 4th Iowa ^'ol. Inf.; he 
enlisted July 4, 1861, as a private, and was pro- 
moted, first to Commissary Sergeant and afterward 
to First Lieutenant. He participated in all theen- 
g.agements of his regiment up to and during the 
siege of Atlanta, after which his health failed, and, 
returning home, he died Nov. IG, 18G4, at the age 
of twenty-seven j-ears. His remains also rest in 
Fairfield Cemeter}-. 



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years afterward he purchased the office of the 
Washington Gazette, and o|x'rated with a jjartner 
until 1874, when became to Ottumwa. Here he 
became foreman of the job department of the Ot- 
tumwa Courier, which jiosition he held until 18K0. 
Mr. McCleland w.as married in Ottumwa. in May. 
1877, to Jliss Frances McFherson. of .Missouri. He 
is a member of ^lalta Commandery No. 31, of Ot- 
tumwa, of Clinton Cha])ter No. ',(, and of Blue 
Lodge No. 26, in Washington. 



L. McCLELANl). of Ottumwa, is a native 
awkeye State, having been born 
Moines County Dec. 27, 184G. His 
jl V parents were John and Kliza^^(l'atterson) McCle- 
fli ijji land, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to 
nini| Iowa while it was ^et a Territory-, in 1844, and lo- 
^-J^] cated in Des Moines County. In 18;jl they re- 
moved to Washington County, where our subject 
received his education in the public schools. In 
1863 he entered the ofHce of the Washington Press, 
l)Ut the following year became a soldier of the 
jM Union army, having enlisted in Co. B, 4oth Iowa 
\'ol. Inf. They awaited orders at Keokuk, and 
from there were sent to Tennessee, where our sub- 
ject was detailed for bridge duty, and after his 
term of four months had expired he was mustered 
out, and returned to his former employers. Two 



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t^^\ INOR KIRKPATRICK. .iji honored pioneer 
of Wapello County', has been a resident of 
the Hawkeye State since 1849. He first 
located in Highland Township upon a tract 
of (Government laud, which lie improved and culti- 
vated, and where he established a comtortable 
home which he occupied until 188;'). He theri 
practicall}' retired from active labor and i)urchased 
a pleasant homestead two mile> nortli of Ottumwa, 
where he now resides. 

Mr Kirkpatrick is a native of Loudoun County, 
\'a., and was born on the loth of September, 1817. 
He left his native State when a j-oung man and 
went over the river into Madison Count}', Ohio, 
where he became acquainted with Miss Hannah 
Godfrey, from which there s|)rang a mutual attach- 
ment wliich resulted in marriage. Mrs. K. was 
born in Hocking Count}", Ohio, April 16, 181',l,and 
still remains tlie companion of her husband. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mis. Kirkpatrick 
located in Ohio, where they remained until 184!), 
and where Mr. K. wa* engaged as a stock-drover, 
buying and shipping extensively. They tlien came 
into what is now Highland Township, this county, 
which was then a wikleruess. They took up their 
quarters iu an humble' log cabin, and prei)ared to 
endure their share of the ditticidties tiiat beset the 
life of a pioneer. There were no neighbors in 
sight, and Mrs. K. did not often see the face of a 
white woman. Their milling was done at Bona- 
parte, in Van Buren County, and the surplus grain 
whicli was produced from the new farm was hauled 
to the Mississippi River for shipment. The many 
turns which had to be made in order tu sustain life 



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WAPELLO COUNTV. 



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and derive from it a moderate degree of comfort 
would form an interesting volume. But tliej' liad 
come to stay, and hand to hand prepared to meet 
every emergency that might arise. In due time 
I they received the reward of their labors; the rough 
tract of land in the wilderness gave place to smil- 
ing fields and growing grain, the log cabin to a 
modern farm dwelling, the rude shelter for stock 
was supplanted by good barns and outhouses, and 
iMr. Kirkpatrick, after the lapse of years, found 
himself the possessor of a valuable homestead. 

From the time of coming here Mr. K. took a. 
genuine interest in the progress and development 
of the county, and contributed his full quota to- 
ward bringing it to its present position. His en- 
ergy and enterjirise proved an inspiration to his 
neighbors, and they were ambitious to emulate the 
example of thrift and industry' wliich he set before 
them. He had little but his own hands to depend 
^ upon when first coming here, and his present pos- 
sessions are mostly due to his own industry, energy 
and economy. He was a man of great force of 
character, was at once acknowledged as a leader in 
the comnuinitj', and from the organization of the 
township has been prominent in its enterprises, and 
ct)ntributed liberally to whatever was calculated to 
pi'omote its welfare. 

Mr. K. is a member of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian, and Mrs. K. of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. The household circle included seven chil- • 
dren, five of whom arc still living, and whom they 
trained to those princiides of honor and integrity 
which have secured to themselves In such a marked 
degree the respect of a wide circle of friends and 
acquaintances in this vicinity. 



^^HOMAS EYRE, a farmer of (ireen Town- 
hip, and a gentleman well and favorably 
ciiown in his coiiinuuiity for his many good 
I qualities, was born in t)hio, .May 'J. 1823. He is a 
I son of Robert ■•ind Eliz;ibeth (C'ockerill) Eyre, na- 
I tives of \'irginia. .Mr. Eyre of this notice was 
S reared to manhood in his native Stiite, and thei'e 
S lived until IS.ilJ, engaged the while in fanning. 
5 During the year last named he came to this State 





and located in Wapello County, where he purchased 
200 acres of wild land, on which he located and at 
once entered with energy and jwrseverance upon 
its improvement, determining to make it a future 
abiding-place for himself and family. 

Mr. Eyre was married, Nov. 13, 1.S4.5, to Miss 
Sarah E. McClure. She was born in Ohio, of which 
State her mother was also a native ; her father was 
born in ^'irginia. Of the union of our subject 
with Miss McClure four children have been born: 
James AV., deceased ; Mar}' E. is the wife of A. B. 
Saum, and a resident of Page County, this State; 
Sarah E. is the wife of G. L. Shaul, and they are 
also residing in Page County ; and Eldridge L. is 
deceased. 

Mr. Eyre is a gentleman who has never sought 
ottice at the hands of his neighbors or friends, but 
has held the position of Steward of the Poor Farm 
and also the office of Road Overseer. Socially he 
belongs to the L O. O. F., holding fellowship with 
Lodge No. !), of Ottumwa. In politics he is Re- 
publican, and he and his wife are members ()f the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 



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C. STECK, attorney at law, of Ottumwa, 
occupies a high position in the legal pro- 
fession of this locality. He is a native of 
((^ AA'estnuireland County, Pa., and was born 

on the 12tli of September, ISal. His parents were 
Daniel V. and Sarah ((leorge) Steck, also natives of 
Pennsylvania. His father was a railroad contractor 
and held the office of Sheriff of Westmoreland 
Count}-. Pa. He was a man of mucii force of char- 
acter, more than ordinary aljility, and Democratic 
in polities. The parental iiousehold consisted of 
three sons and two daughters: Frank (■. is a com- 
mission merchant at the stockyards in Chicagn. 
111.; A. C, our subject, was the second in order of 
birth; Kate became the the wife of R. (!. Ford, 
Superintendent of Bells (iap Railroad, in Pennsyl- 
vani.-i ; Ed. M. is the (General Passenger Agent of tiic 
same road and located ;it Bellwood, Pa.; Dot, the 
youngest (laughter, is at home. 

The subject of our sketch was reared in his iia- 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



tive countj' and received his primary educntion in 
the common schools, which was supplemented later 
bj- an attendance at the High School. He n-as fond 
of his books, attended closely to his studies, and at 
the age of fifteen yeai's taught school two terms in 
the district near his home. In 1866 he was Deputy 
Sheriff under his father, occupjing the position for 
one j'ear. Then, desiring to further perfect himself 
in his studies he took a preparatory course at Lig- 
onier Academy, but instead of going to college as 
he had intended he accepted a position in the office 
of the Count}" Clerk, which he occupied for two 
years. He availed himself of this opportunity of 
reading law, having for his instructor, Hon. .Jacob 
Turnej', of (ireensburg, Pa., and in 1869 he at- 
tended the law department of Michigan Univer- 
sity at Ann Arbor, from which he graduated in the 
class of 1873. 

After returning to (ireensburg. Pa., his father 
persuaded him to cross the Mississippi and seek for 
honors in the western country. He aecordinglj' 
l)roceeded to Leavenworth. Kan., and entering the 
oflice of Maj. Housle\', confined himself to a still 
more thorougii course of stud}' and in due time 
was admitted to practice in the courts of Kansas. 
He remained there only a 3ear, however, and re- 
turning home entered the otlice of Hon. Edgar 
(urran, ex-rnited States Senator, and was soon 
afterward appointed Deputy Recorder. 

In 1875 Mr Steck came to Ottumwa, Iowa, where 
he associated himself in partnership with L. F. 
Portsen, and they operated under the style of Port- 
sen & Steck. Two years later the partnership was 
dissolved and Mr. Steck associated himself then 
with E. Koliinson, the latter being junior partner. 
After two years this firm also dissolved, and Mr. 
Steck operated for the folhnving three years by 
himself. On the 1st of January, 1833, he became 
the partner of .Judge I. S. Moore, and they re- 
mained in business together also two years, when, 
on account of the failing health of Mr. M., the 
latter withdrew from active' business. 

Mr. Steck was married in Ottumwa. Iowa, on the 
1th of February, 187.S, to Miss Ada Washburn, a 
native of this county and born in 1858. Mrs. S. 
i> the youngest daughter of K. Washburn, Esq., 
Auditor of Wapello County, and by her union 



with our subject has become the mother of two 
children — Alice and Daniel F.. .Ir. Mr. Steck was 
invested with the office of County Attorney by ap- 
pointment in 188-1 and elected in October, 1H86. He 
is Democr.atic in politics and socially belongs to the 
Masonic fraternity and K. of P. He is successful 
in his practice, is a close student and well read, and 
transacts his business in a straightforward and up- 
right manner. He is held in high esteem by his 
associates in the profession and is accornited an 
able attorney as well a;- a valued citizen. 



kEANDEK T. SIT ART, Postmaster of 
IJlakesburg, was born in Charlestown, Clark 
Co., Ind., on the 30th of November, l.s23, 
and is the son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Huni- 
phrej-s) .Stuart, natives respectively of Pennsylvania 
and \'irginia. His mother was the daughter of 
.lohn llumphrej'S, a soldier of the Revolutionary 
War, who served from the beginning until its 
close. While they were still young, the i)arents of 
our subject became residents of Kentucky, and 
after arriving at suitable years were married near 
l^ouisville. They soon afterward removed to In- 
diana and settled in Clark County. Thence they 
removed to the county seat, where Alexander 
Stuart opened a boot-and-shoe trade. Onh' two 
of their children are living. The brother of our 
subject is State editor of the Galveston (Tex.) 
N'eirs. He was ^Nl.ayor and Collect(jr of Customs 
of that city for several 3'ears preceding the vvar. 
The mother died in Charlestown, Ind.. in lS2!(,and 
the father in Galveston, in \X:>x. 

The subject of this history received his educa- 
tion in the country school-house, and spent two 
terms in Clark County Seminary. When seven- 
teen years old he went to Putn.am County. Ind.. 
where he was api)renticed to the potter's trade with 
.John S. Perry, serving about two j-ears. He was 
married, Sept. 25, 18-14, to Miss Hannah Turbeoille, 
who was of French descent l>ut born in Knoxville, 
Tenn., in l.s2(). Of this union there are two chil- 
dren: Eudora A., the wife of George Haff, of Ne- 
braska, and Lizzie F., now Mrs. Frank Loomis. 
After his marriage our subject locatetl in New 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



525 



Albanj^, Ind., and with a partner engaged in the 
pottery business one year, under the firm name of 
Keller & Stuart. Then, in 1847 he came to Wa- 
pello Count}', and established the first potter\' 
shops in the county, locating in Dahlonega Town- 
ship. Besides being the only industrj- of the kind 
in this county, there was none further west of it. 
He hauled his wares to Des Moines, and they were 
the first of the kin<l sold in that city. 

After a few years thus occupied Mr. Stuart re- 
moved to a tract of (-iovernnieut land three-fourths 
of a mile west of Dahlonega. and in connection 
with farming resumed his former business. In 
1852 he returned to Dahlonega, resumed his former 
occupation there for eight years following, and 
then selling out, purchased a farm in Highland 
Township. He afterward made Dther removals, 
and in 186S came to HIakesburg, where he has Iteen 
employed at his old occupation and has also found 
time to interest himself in the welfare of his town- 
ship. He has been Assessor several times and 
Justice of the Peace. In 1854 he was a candidate 
for the Legislature, lieing defeated by only fifteen 
votes. In 1 882 he was again nominated by the 
Republicans, and ran 100 votes ahead of his ticket. 
In politics he is Democratic. 



WTLLIAM R. JONKS, who occupies a promi- 
nent position in the community of Adams 
^ ^ Township, and is pleasantly located on sec- 
tion 4, was born in Shelby Count}', Ky.. on the 
16th of JIarch, 1831, and in October of that same 
year accompanied his parents to Montgomery 
County, Ind. There were then no schools or 
school-houses, the country at that time being wild 
and new, but our subject learned to read and spell 
at home, and after nine years of age, when a school 
was finally established near his father's homestead, 
attended for a few months in the year until he ivas 
twelve. He remained at home two years nfterwaid, 
during which time his mother died, and then went 
out into the world to earn his uwn living. He 
served an ainirenticesliip of three years at wagon 
and carriage making and two years at general 
blacksmithing, all in Putnam Couut\', lud. 



At twenty years of age Mr. Jones set up a shop 
for himself in Russellville, that county, and on the 
24th of June. 1!S5"2. was married to Miss Sii|)hia 
Jane Ham, the daughter of James and Klizabcth 
Ham. and born in 1832. After his marriage he 
continued .at his trade until the spring of 1855. In 
the meantime he had invested in some choice live- 
stock, three stallions and one fine Kentucky jack, 
and in the following fall removed to Hendricks 
County, Ind., where he eng.aged in general farming 
and keeping im()roved stock. In tiie fall <if ls.',7 
he took the first premium on hogs and the second 
on sheep at the Indiana State Fair, beside othei' 
premiums on horses and sheep at county and dis- 
trict fairs, and became quite noted as a breeder in 
that section of country. 

Mr. Jones came into Wapello County in 18(is, 
locating in Adams Township on section 4, where 
he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. 
In 1873 he made some tine purchases, and his sta- 
bles contained choice specimens of draft animals, 
Cleveland B.ays and Hamliletonians. His stock al- 
most invariably took first pi'emiums at the various 
county fairs. Mr. Jones, however, had laiiored too 
industriously, both mentally and physically, and h(> 
was forced to retire fr(.>m active lal)or, and is now 
passing his days in the enjoyment of the fruits of 
his early industry and enterprise. 

To our subject and wife were born four children, 
all of whom are living: Horacie G. and Rebecca K. 
were born in Putnam County, Ind.. their births 
taking place April 13, 1853, and Aug. -3(1, 1854, re- 
spectively; Isa,ac N. was born in Hendricks County. 
Ind., July 6, 1857, and Selmon F., June G, 1875, in 
Wapello County. 

The f.ather of our subject, Joshua B. Jones, was 
born near Richmond, Va., Dec. 3. 1804. His par- 
ents removed to Shelby County, Ky., four years 
later, where he worked on a farm until he attained 
his majority. t)n the 17tli of Jiuie, l.s.jo. he was 
niarried to Mis> Rehecca Carman. Tliey removed 
to Montgomery County. Ind., at an early period in 
the history of that State, and settled in a timber 
tract, opening up a f.-irm in tlie wilderness, and 
there the mother died on the the 2sth of -March. 
I.S44. They had become the parents of five chil- 
dren: William R. ; Isaac S. ; .1. W'.; .Marv Iv. \\\i" 




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died in Mareh, 1871, and a son who died in in- 
fancy'. The year following tiie death of his first 
wife, Mr. .Tones married Jlrs. Rachel Dickerson, and 
of this marriage there were born fonr children — 
Ilenr^-, Robert K.. Jesse H. and Sarah. In 18;JG 
they removed to Wapello County, Iowa, and loca- 
ted on the farm where he still lives, having arrived 
at the advanced age of eighty-three ^years. 

The paUMiial grandfather of our subject was also 
nauK'd .Iiisliu;i .loncs. and wa.~ burn near Rich- 
mond. \ a., in 1770. He moved to Shelby County, 
Ky., with his faniih- in 18U«, having been married 
ill I7;i2, in \'irginia, to Miss Mary Richardson, 
riiey had fonr children, three of whom died before 
the}' were of age. Joshua Jones served under (ien. 
Harrison in the War of l!S12, and when the col- 
onists had once more subdued (Jreat Britain. Mr 
J., in l.s;!l. moved to Indiana and opene<l up a 
farm in tlic wilderness, where he .spent the lialance 
of his days, dying at the age of seventy-six \-ears. 
He was the fourtli sou of Benjamin .Jones, who was 
also born near Richmond, \'a.. in 17 10. In earh' 
years he was cri|)iiled for life by a log falling upon 
him at a house-raising. He was therefore not able 
to bear arms in defence of the colonies, liut was so 
outspoken in regard to the rights of the people that 
the Tories .-ippropiiated about forty head of his cat- 
tle to the use of King George's army. His family 
had been living on James River since the first set- 
tlement there by the English. 

The paternal grandmother of our subject was 
liorn neai- Richmond, Va., in 17();j, and after her 
marriage with .loshua Jones removed with hei- hus- 
band to Kentucky and afterward to Indiana, dviii"' 
in the latter State at the age of eighty-four 3-ears. 
She was the oidy child of Ca|)t. Richardson, a 
Welshman, and .a -ailor who made regular trips 
from England to the nu>uth of the James River 
in Virginia. He was shipwrecked on the Atlantic 
in about l.sC,',). His wife having died, he left his 
daughter with ;ni uncle to be reared and educated, 
ft)r which he provided ample means, and she be- 
came a highly accomplished and intelligent lady. 
At her knee the subject of our sketch olitained the 
first rudiments of his education. 

The mother of our subject, whose m.aiden name 
IV as Rebecca Carman, was born Dee. 12. isu, and 



was the eldest daughter of Isaac Carman, a Baptist 
nnnister of .Shelby County. Ky. He was born in 
1772, in Virginia, and in lius w.as married to Miss 
Mary Huges, who died of cholera in Kentuck^y, in 
IXoS. They became the parents of ten children, 
— Joseph, Benjamin. Thomas H., Rebecca, Mary, 
(ieorge W., Elizabeth, Isaac H., Barbara and Will- 
iam N. The}' removed to Indiana in 1.S35, where 
he died at the age of eight^'-four years. He was 
the second son of Joseph Carman, who was born at 
Bordentown, N. J., in 1745, and went to A'irginia, 
where he married a Erench lady, Mi.ss Mary La- 
Rue, in 1 7t!.s, and they became the parents of seven 
children — Caleb, Isaac, James, Joshua, Mary, 
Rh(jt!be and Elizabeth. In 177i) he boarded a flat- 
boat with his family, came down the Ohio River 
with Col. Clark, and was sent out by the common- 
wealth of Mrginia to protect the frontier. They 
kinded where Louisville, Ky., now stands, and Jo- 
.seph and his family went to the fort at Lynch's 
Station, now in Shelby County, Ky. A few years 
afterward he was killed by the Indians on Carman's 
Creek, in what is now Henry County in Kentucky. 
He was the youngest child of Caleb Carman, who 
.settled at Bordentown, 2s'. J., in 1.S27. He had six 
children — John. .loshu.a, Benjamin, Mary, Eliza- 
beth and Joseph. He was the son of James Carman, 
born at Cape May, N. J., in 1G77. He was for 
many years Pastor of the Baptist Church at 
Ilightstown, N. J. He died Oct. 29, 1751!, aged 
eightj'-nine years. .lames was the son of Caleb 
Carman, who came from Long Island. N. V., and 
settled at Cape May, N. J., in 1065. Caleb w.as the 
son of John and Elorence Carman, natives of 
Hami)ste,ad, England. The}' emigrated to America, 
landing at Roxljury, Mass., Nov. 4, Hi.'? I, whence 
they removed to Long Island and founded the 
town of Hempstead, L. I., in 1()4;!. 

-Mrs. William R. .lones was born in Putnam 
County, Ind., Oct. 211, 1m;j2. and was the fourth 
daughter of James and Klizabeth (Hicks) Ham, the 
former of whom was born in Kentucky. Oct. 1 !t, 
1800. His marriage took place in 1.^25. .and in the 
fall of that year they removed to .Montgomery 
County. Ind., where he died Sept. 1 ;!. lS(i7. His 
wife w.as Ixjrn in Kentucky. .luly II. isod. ami 
died in Indiana in September, ls77. She was the 



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eldest claughter of John and Elizabeth (Sanduskj') 
Hicks, of Kentucky. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jones have belonged to the Chris- 
tian Church since IShl. In politics Mr. J. is a lib- 
eral Republican Greenbacker. lie has been doing 
business for over forty years, dealing with all 
classes and large numbers of men, and was never 
involved in a law suit with any one, and as far back 
as he has any record his ancestors pursued the 
same peaceable course with their fellow-men. Tbe 
family is an old one and widely known, and have 
made a good record, filling up the measure of their 
days with honesty and usefulness. 

AN FORD KIRKPATRICK, one of the 
early settlers of Wapello Ci)unty, is a na- 
tive of the Buckeye State, having first 
opened his eyes to the light in Madison 
County, on the 1 1 th day of February, 1 842. When 
a child of seven years his i)aronts started for the 
West, and crossing the Mississippi came into Wa- 
pello Count}', Iowa. He enjoyed but a limited 
education, which was principally carried on Ijy his 
own efforts, as in his duties around the homestead, 
he kept with him his book, paper and pencil, and 
studied at every leisure moment, in tlie fields of 
his father's farm. He remained under the parental 
roof until he was nineteen years of age, and uutd 
there came the first three years' call for volunteers 
to aid in the preservation of the Union. He then 
enlisted in Co. K. 2d Iowa Vol. Inf., which was 
first sent to Keokuk and then to St. Joseph, Mo. 
He remained with his regiment after it arrived at 
Ft. Donelson, and at the l)attleof Shiloii was in the 
same regiment with Capt. Cloutman, wlio was sub- 
sequently killed at Ft. Donelson, and whose death 
was so deeply lamented. Young Kirk[)atrick was 
.also engaged in what was known as the Hornet's 
Nest, from its dangerous pr<jxiniit3' to the fire of 
tlie rebels. He also participated in the siege of 
Corinth, the siege and capture of Atlanta, and 
with his regiment accompanied (tcu. Sherman in 
ins march to the sea. he in the meantime being 
promoted First Lieutenant. They close<l up with 
a i^rand review at W'asliiiiiiton, were mustered out 



Tk^Tfyj' ^AXU-ii-UmitU - iAXJja iJixxi 



at Louisville, Ky., and discharged at Davenport, 
Iowa. 

Upon his return home Mr. Kirkpatrick occupied i| 
himself in farming pursuits up to lisTT. He then 
engaged in trade, associating with himself a part- 
ner, and they operated in Ottumwa, Iowa, under the |j 
firm name of S. Kirkpatrick & Co. In February, 
188G, Mr. Kirki)atrick sold his interest in the busi- 
ness, and was commissioned United States Revenue 
Agent at Omaha, Neb., having under his super- 
vision Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Dakota, 
Wyoming, Montan:i and Indian Territory. 

In 1865 Mr. Kirkpatrick was united in marriage 
with Miss Hester M. Leutner, of Ohio, and they 
have become the parents of three children — Maud 
E., Stella M. and Minor. Jr. They occupy a pleas- 
ant home in Ottumwa. and enjoy the confidence 
and respect of their neigh l)ors and acquaintances. 
Our subject has been identified with the business 
interests of Wapello County nearly all his life, and 
has watched the growth and development vi the 
Hawkeye State with interest and satisfaction. He 
is a man of good abilities and well posted in mat- 
ters of general interest. 

Politically Mr. Kirkpatrick attiliates witli tiic 
Greenback party, and has been prominent in tlie 
affairs of the city, being at present a member i>f 
the City Council. Socially he belongs to the A. 
O. LT. W., the Modern Woodmen, K. of H. and K. 



of L., holding a prominent position in each, and is H!j;;;ll! 
also a member of Cloutman Post No. Gi). He is 
the friend of temperance and good ordei-, and in 
all respects is fulfilling the duties of a worthy and 
hon( )red citizen. 



^ACOB PETERSON, a highly respected far- 
mer and stock-raiser of Adams Township, 
is of Scandinavian origin, and born in 
Sweden on tlie 8th of April, 1844. His 
parents were James and .Mary (Dram) Peterson, 
who came to America in 185.'), in a sailing-vessel, 
landing in New York City after a voyage of six 
weeks. Thej- proceeded directly westward to \'aii 
P.nren Count}'. Iowa, where .lacob Peterson w.i.- 
engage<l at whatever his li.-uids could find to do uii- 




an 



KJIIJAIIJIIIB 







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528 



AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



til the spring of 1860. Tliev then c-ame to Wapello 
Connty, where the fathei- enltivated rented land for 
a few years anil then piirehased a farm. The [la- 
lental household ineluded three ehildren : Axel, 
now livin«>- in Clark Connty, Mo. : Anna, the wife 
of .lolin Anderson, supposed to be in Iil.iho. and 
.laeoh, our sulijeot. Mr. Peterson died in l.sT.'). his 
wife havini;- [ireceded him to the silent land ten 
years. In religious faith they adliereil to the doe- 
trines of the Methodist Chureh. 

The |)arents of our subject were in limited eir- 
cnmstanees and consequently his early e<lucation 
was but slight, lie was early trained to habits of 
industry, and long before lie had reached manhood 
had learned to depend upon him.-elf. After the 
death of his fatlier lie purchased the old homestead, 
where he followed farming until the spring of 1886. 
He tiien sold out and purchased his i)iesent prop- 
erty in Adams Township, <in section 7. This con- 
sists of eighty acres of choice land, under a good 
state of cultivation. Me has a good set of farm 
buildings and all the accessories of a skillful and 
intelligent agriculturist. 

Mr. Peterson was married on the 2(ith of .May. 
1H74, and is the father of four children: .loiui II. 
was born March 12, 187.'): James Otto, May 11, 
1877: .I.acol) O. II. and Nelse (J. K. (twins), .lune 
i:i. 11S82; the latter died when nine months old. 

In politics our subject is Democratic, and h.is 
officiated as lioad Supervisor and School Director. 
He is connected with the Lutheran Church. Mr. 
and Mrs. Peterson are well known and highly re- 
spected throughout this locality and have tinely il- 
lustrated the results of industry, economy and u|i- 
right lives. 





AVID C. liKAMAX. a highly respected 

gentleman and attorney at law of ( Ittumwa, 

crosseil the .Mississippi in 1846, .'ind came 

into Iowa the same year of its admission 

into the Tniou as a State. He lirst located with 

his parents in Montrose, Lee Connty, opposite 

^Js'auvoo, 111., and was educated in the common 

schools. After he had complclcd his primary 

studies he entered the prc[>aratory department of 

Oberlin College, in Ohio, where he remained nearly 



two years. His studies were then interrupted, and. 
returning to Lee County, he was api)ointed railro.'ul 
agent at Croton, occupying this position for tlir 
next two years, and afterward gt)ing to Selm:i 
(then Independent), A'au Buren County, occupied 
a similar [losition for six or seven years. 

In 18(;4 Mr. Beaman engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits, in comijany with Jacob T. Overturff. Our 
subject was then engaged in railroading until 1867, 
when he took up the study of law, to which he 
closely attended for the two years following, under 
the instruction of .ludge Robert Sloan, being ail- 
mitted to the bar in the year 1869 at Keosampni. 
\'an Buren County', when he at once opened an 
office and entered upon the practice of his profes- 
sion. During the administration of President 
Lincoln he was appointed Postmaster of Independ- 
ent, which office he held for several years. In 
1871 hi' associated himself in partnership with 
IvUtledge Lea as junior partner, and they jirticticed 
law together for the foll()wing five years, at Keo- 
sauqtia, where Mr. Beaman had removed. The 
firm w.as then dissolved, and Mr. B. became asso- 
ciated with .ludge Joseph C. Knap|). the lirm name 
being Knapj) A' Beaman. which continued until the 
death of Judge KnaiJi), in 18.S2. Mr. Beaman then 
removed to Ottumwa, and formed a partnei'ship 
with Hon. K. H. Stiles, the latter being senior 
meml)er of the tirm. They operated in companj' 
until J;nuiar\-. 1 SSC, and the partnership was then 
dissolved, on account of Mr. .stiles going U> Kan- 
sas City, Mr. Beaman continuing in the pr,actice 
alone. 

Mr. Beaman is an extensive reader and a close 
student, and it has been his constant aim to excel 
in his profession. He has been intrusted with im- 
portant m.atters since the beginning, and since 
187.S has been emplo^'ed as the attorney for the C., 
R. I. cV P. R. K.. and also the C, B. ck (^ lie 
makes a specialty of land cases, and has become 
familiar with the intricacies of the vexed questions 
of l)oundaries. titles and deeds. 

The subject of our sketch is a native of Ohio, 
:ind was burn in Lawrence County in 18.'is. He is 
the son of Kev. (;. C. .-md Kiiielia C. Bcam.-iu. na- 
tives of Massachnsetls and Scotland respectively, 
lie remained with his |)areuts during his earlier 



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}^S^SS 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



529 



years, and in 1860. at Athens, Mo., was united in 
marriage with Miss Luella A. Sniitli, a native of St. 
Louis, Mo., her birth having taken jilace in Febru- 
ary, 1838. They became the parents of four chil- 
dren: James L., wlio occupies the position of fore- 
man in the Courier job ofHce at Ottuniwa; (ieorge 
C, Alice M. and Arthur 1). Their home in ()t- 
tumwa is pleasantly located, and they enjo}' the 
I'espect and esteem of a large circle of friends and 
ac(inaintances. 

JAMES AV. LaFORCE, M. D.. a prominent 
I and successful physician of Eldon, has 
been a resident of Wapello County since 
1843, and during the long period which has 
elapsed since that time has Iniilt up for himself an 
enviable reputatimi, both as a physician and a citi- 
zen. 

Dr. LaForce is a native of Woodford County. 
Ky., born in 1826. His parents were Daniel G. 
and Nancj' (Stodgehill) LaForce. both natives of 
Kentuclvy. The familj' removed from their native 
State to Iowa in 1841, tirst settling in A'an Bnren 
County, where tliey remained until April of the 
following year and then removed to AVashington 
Township, this county, where Daniel LaForce took 
a claim and afterward purchased KiO acres of 
land which he proceeded to improve and cultivate, 
with the view of establishing a permanent home. 
Upon this farm the subject of our sketch was reared 
and received a good education in the common 
schools, remaining under the parental roof until 
1848. He had been a studious boy, fond of his 
books and ambitious to excel, and after lie had ar- 
rived at a suitable age, engaged in teaching school. 
In the meantime he had already planned his future 
course in life and selected his profession, that of a 
physician. Soon after leaving school and while en- 
gaged in teaching, he occupied his leisure time in 
j the stud}' of medical works. In l.s.50 he went 
overland to California, where he engaged in min- 
ing for one year, lie then returned to this countj' 
and made preparations to pursue the course of 
study which had been interrupted, and in due time 
entered tlie medical department of the Iowa State 



Tni versify, where he remained until he graduated 
and received iiis diploma, in lis.oG. He returned 
at once to \\'ashinHton Townshi|) and entered upon 
tlie practice t)f his profession, which he pursued 
continuously until the fall of 1862. Then, during 
the [jrogress of the late Civil War, he enlisted as a 
private in Co. C, 7th Iowa \'ol. Cav. Soon after- 
ward he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and 
the following year was appointed Assistant Surgeon 
of his regiment, in which capacitj' he served until 
the time of his honorable discharge, in December, 
1864, having been obliged to abandon the army on 
account of failing eyesight. 

Wliile in the service Dr. LaF"orce had charge of 
the camp hosi)ital at Ottumwa for some time and 
from here was sent to Davenport to Camp Hender- 
shott Hospital. Tlience he was appointed to the 
charge of the Cottonwood Springs Hospital at Ft. 
McPherson, where he remained until the fall of 
1864. He was then detailed for station duty, and 
the consequent eximsure incident to this position 
brought on a severe cold which settled in his eyes 
and incapacitated him for further dntj-. He then 
returned home, and as soon as able entered upon 
the practice of his profession, and employed his 
spare time in agricultural pursuits. 

Dr. LaForce was united in marriage with Miss 
Margaret Ann Morgan, in l.s4'J. Mrs. LaF. was a 
native of Davis County, Iowa, and b}' her mar 
riage with our subject became the mother of two 
children, both of whom died in infancy. The wife 
and mother departed this life in the spring of 1853. 

The second marriage of Dr. LaFoi'ce was with 
Miss Mar}' Jane Black, of Lee County, Iowa, which 
was celebrated Aug. 2, 1865. Of this union there 
were l)orn four children, recorded as follows: Carrie 
died in childhood; Mary Frances is the wife of W. 
H. Baker, of Plattsburg, Neb.; Mattle M. grew to 
womanhood and became the wife of J. R. Swinney, 
of Davis Count}', Iowa; Jesse is at home. The 
family residence is pleasantly located, and its in- 
mates are surrounded by all of the comforts and 
many of the luxuries of life. 

Dr. and 3Irs. LaForce are prominently coimected 
with the Congi'egational Church, and the Doctor 
belongs to the A. F. <fe A. il. He has been pros- 
|)ered in his profession and in his agricultural op- 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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erations, and is the owner of 1.700 ncres of land, 
the most of which is impiovpd and nndcr a good 
state of cultivation, lie carries on general farm- 
ing, and is devoting ninch attention to the breed- 
ing of fine stock, particularly horses and cattle. 



iri^^ 



^(^^-. 




NI)Ri:W .1. IIOI'DYSHKLL was numbered 
among tht^ pioneers of Wapello County. 
He was l)Orn in Clarke County, Ohio, May 
2(), 1H21. When a young man he went to 
Indiana and located in Wells County, where he be- 
came acquainted, and was united in marriage with 
.Miss Kl/.ara Mace, on the 23d day of Februar3% 
1K41. His wife was a native of Meigs County, 
Ohio, and the daugliter of Henry. Sr., and Rachel 
(Tovvnsen) Mace. In l«f!^ .Mr. Ilondyshell came 
to Iowa and located in Wapello County, near the 
present village of Agency', where he purchased a 
claim and opened up a farm. 

At the breaking out of the Relu'llion, Mr. Houdy- 
shell enlisted in Co. 11. Ttli Iowa \'ol. Cav., and 
served until the close of tiie war. In l.ssi he re- 
moved to Kau.sas, and is now residing in Salem, 
.Jewell County, that .State. His wife died in Kan- 
sas, Oct. 27, 1884. She was a sincere member of 
the Christian Church, with which she was connected 
for many years. 

Mr. and jAFrs. Hondyshell were the parents of 
ten children, six of wiiom lived to maturity: Will- 
iam A., now living in Ringgold County, Iowa, en- 
listed in Co. E, 22d Iowa \'ol. Inf., and served till 
the close of the war; Henry S., now living in Ot- 
tawa, Kan., was a member of Co. C, 7th Iowa \'ol. 
Cav.; Rachel A. married Berry Roberts, and died 
in Ft. Madison, Iowa, in 18()4; Mar^', the wife of 
Lewis Lndwig, now resides in .Mahoning County, 
Ohio; David went west in 1881, and has not been 
heard from since : !Martha, the wife of C. B. Streeby, 
now resides in Smith County, Kan. ; James is now 
residing at ()ttunnv:i, Iowa, serving as County 
Recorder. 

As stated, .Mr. lloudyshell was auiong the pio- 
neers of 1848. At th.'it time the country was liut 
a wilderness, no improvements of any kind having 
been made, but he lived to witness a complete 



transformation. Instead of the Indian trails, fol- 
lowed b}' the slow-going ox-team, he has seen the 
iron rails stretched across the country, over which 
the iron horse traverses day by da3-, carrying its 
thousands of passengers and many thousand tons 
of the produce of the country. 

James Houdyshell, County Recorder of Wapello 
County, is a native " Hawkeye," born in Wapello 
County, Nov. 18, 1858. He was reared in this 
county and educated in the district schools, which 
was supplemented by an attendance at the Normal 
.School of Mrs. iM. A. Peck, at Ottumwa, for several 
terms. He also attended the Ottumwa Business 
College. After finishing his studies in the Normal 
School, he commenced teaching, and followed that 
profession for .some years, in all teaching some 
twenty-three terms. In the fall of 1884 he wa-s 
nominated b}- the Democratic partj', and elected 
Recorder of Wapello Count}', by a majority of 
sixty-four votes. In 1886 he again received the 
nomination, and was elected by a majority of 567. 
The increased majoritj- shows the confidence placed 
in him by the citizens of the county, and that 
many, not of his own party, gave him their supjiort. 

On the 21st day of February, 1881, Mr. Houdy- 
shell was united in marri.age with Miss Lettie Flem- 
ing, daughter of Henry and Priscilla (Whitmore) 
Fleming. She is also a native of Wapello Count}', 
born Oct. 3, 1862. She was engaged as a teacher, 
having taught some ten terms of school. They 
have one child, Lura G.. born July 31, 1885. In 
politics Mr. and Mrs. Houdyshell are Democrats. 

y.., LFRED LOTSPEICH. an honored pioneer 
((^^1 of the Hawkeye State, is a citizen of Ot- 
tumwa. and after a long life of energy and 
industry is passing his later daj-s in the en- 
joyment of a competency. He occupies a hand- 
some home, and, pos.sessing the esteem of a large 
circle of acquaintances, is going down the hill of 
life with the consciousness of duty performed and 
oljligations fulfilled as becomes a good man and a 
worthy citizen. 

Mr. L. is a native of (heenville. Teun., born 
June 17, 1817, near the home of Andrew Johnson, 







!| 



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I' 

El 
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4 



I 
4 



l^ 



mill iiinny n time in iiis younsjer days saw thai ji'en- 
tleman working at liis tailor's bench before the idea 
of future greatness had dawned upon him. The 
parents of our subject were William and Hannah 
(Doan) Lotspeieh, his father a native of Tenuesee 
and his mother of Nortii Carolina. The mother 
was of Quaker faith, to which religion the son has 
loyall_y adhered since leaving the [larental I'oof. 
The father was a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. The3' were married in Tenuesee in 
1810, and became the jiarents of two children, Ira 
and Alfred, the former of whom died in Athens, 
Tenu., iu 1837. The mother departed this life the 
same j'car. She was an earnest and devoted Chris- 
tian. 

The second marriage of William Lotsi)eich was 
with 3Iiss Rebecca Wells, of Tenuesee, who In' her 
union with the father of our subject became the 
mother of three children, one of whom died iu in- 
fancy. Those surviving are George H., .'i farmer 
near Crestou, Iowa, and Hannah E., the wife of 
Emory Crist, of Los Angeles, Cal. Eor his third 
wife William Lotspeieh married Mrs. Norris, a 
widow lady and a resident of Iowa. Mr. L. de- 
parted this life Feb. 16, 18G3, in Dahalonega 
Township, this County. He was a useful and promi- 
nent citizen, a Whig iu politics, and a great admirer 
of Henrj' Clay. 

The subject of our sketch grew to manhood in 
his native State, receiving his primary education 
in the private schools, completing his studies at 
Holston Seminary, iu New Market, Tenu., thus re- 
ceiving a liberal education. At the death of his 
brother he was forced to abandon tlie plans which 
he had marked out for himself, and resumed farm- 
ing. He afterward engaged as clerk iu a store, and 
while there he saw in the Intelligencer that a new 
Territory had been organized west of the Mississippi, 
composed of a beautiful tract of country which 
offered great inducements to the young and enter- 
prising emigrant. This set him to thinking and he 
i determined to go and see for himself if the report 
were true. He left his home on the 17th of Sep- 
tember, 1840. on iiorseback, going by the way of 
Njishville, which was about 200 miles fr<jni home. 
He crossed the Father of Waters at Ft. Madison, 
I and made his way to Mt. Pleasant, the county seat 



. . ..i......t.r;.-r:rTrrnTrrrrfmitTTi 



of lleniy County. He was favoralily impressed 
with the ap|)eara,u('i' of the country, and returning 
to Tennessee clisposed of iiis interests in that sec- 
tion, and coming back to Iowa, purcliased a tract 
of laud iu Henry County. Here he resumed his 
law studies and in due time was admitted to prac- 
tice iu tlie courts of the Territory. In 1847 he was 
elected Prosecuting Att<jrney. and during his cred- 
itable occupation of this office paved the way foi- 
his future success. 

Mr. Lotspeieh was united in marriage with Miss 
Heljecca A. Moore on the -ilitli of May, lK4fi. Of 
this union was born a sou. La ^NL, June .'iO, l,S4si. 
Mrs. L. was a native of Sanganum County, 111., and 
was born Sept. 20, I 820. She came with her par- 
ents to Iowa when a child ten years of age and re- 
mained with them until lier marriage witli our sub- 
ject. She was carefully trained b}- wise and judic- 
ious parents and received a fair education in the 
pioneer schools. 

In the spring of 184"J, on account of the failing 
health of his wife, Mr. L. resigned his office antl 
started with her across the plains to California. 
They were the first to enter upon this long journey 
toward the Paciffc, and after traveling five mouths 
arrived at their destination in safety. Her fathei' 
accompanied her. After remaining one year, Mrs. 
L., receiving no benefit from the change of climate, 
decided to return with her father, Mr. L. wishing to 
remain longer on the Pacific coast. The father and 
daughter, together with her infant son two years 
old, deterniiuing to make the return trijj by water, 
embarked on the brig Meteor, Aug. 22, 1850. The 
vessel was never afterward heard of and is su im- 
posed to have gone down with all on board. The 
loss of his wife was a sore bereavement to Mr. L. 
She was a lady of most excellent traits of character, 
greatly beloved by all who knew her, and a devoted 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. 
L. for two years made every endeavor to gain in- 
formation of the lost vessel, but in vain. 

In 18r)2 our subject returned to Mt. Pleasant, 
Iowa. Two years later he removed into Wapello 
County, and not long afterward, in 1854, was united 
in marriage with Mrs. Susannah Lotspeieh, his 
cousin by marriage. She was a native of North 
Carolina, from which her parents removed iu her 




feii 



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IXKZTXnxxZT B 



unmim i 



.");i2 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



childliood to Alabaiiiii. Of this union there wns 
born one ehihl, \\'illi:ini (;., the date of his birth 
being Aiirii .'>, 1 .s .'),">. He died when a young man, 
Sept. IC, l.s7(j. lie was a bright and promising 
youtli and a graduate of the C'onimereial College, 
of Ottumwa. .Mrs. Lotspeich departed tiiis life 
Nov. 20, l.s7;), of consumption; she was a lady 
highly esteemed and prominently eonnected with 
the Method isl Kpiscoi^al Church. 

Mr. L. was' again married, at l)es Moines, Oct. 
2.J, IS78, to Mrs. Mary P. (Armstrong) .loues; she 
is connected witli liie Baptist Churcii and possesses 
those excellent ([ualities of character which com- 
mand the res|)ect of all who enjoy her ac(iuaint- 
ance. Mr. L. was County Treasurer from 1<S70 to 
I.S74 and has iield the (jftice of .Justice of the Peace 
for seven years, liesides having iield many other 
important ollices in the county. He has been a 
member of the A. F. ife A. M., Ottumwa Lodge No. 
10, since 18.54; and Clinton Chaptei' No, 9; also 
Malta Commander}' No. 31, of Ottumwa. In poli- 
tics .Mr. L. was originally a Whig but is now a Re- 
publican. He is connected by membership with 
the .Methodist Episcopal Church. 




K,^r;y-.^l=r^rr7=r^ 




-^ .#^ ^ 

.T. .JENKINS, a i)rosi>erous farmer of Cass 
Township, residing on section 2(!, is a son 
of Solomon and .S.arah (.lackson) .Jenkins, 
natives of \irginia, who became the par- 
ents of a family of ten children, four yet living, 
and the recoi'd of the famil}' is as follows : Levi is 
deceased; i;iizabeth is the wife of .Jacob Strayer, 
a farmer in Carroll County, Ohio; Sampson is a 
farmer, and lives in .lefferson, Ohio; JMahala was 
the wife of .Joseph Shadduck, and is now deceased: 
Nancy is the widow of Caleb Wagner, who was a 
merchant at Uichlaiid Center, Wis.; Amanda be- 
came the wife of .lolin Holmes, and is now de- 
ceased; Sarah became the wife of George Adam.s, 
and they have both passed to the land of the here- 
after; .Solomon, .Jr., is also deceased; Elvira, de- 
ceased, was the wife of Philip .b)lley, and A. .1. is 
our subject. 

.\. .1. .lenkins is the youngest of his parents' chil- 
dren. His father died on the old home farm at 



1 



the age of seventy years. He was not a member |j;i 
of any church, but charitable to a fault, and en- i^i 
dowed with an unlimited amount of energy and g-' 

3"fr 

per-severance, to which his success in life is attrib- ;ij 
utable. The age of our subject's mother at the n fj 
date of her demise was als(.) about seventj' years, 
.She was a devoted member of the Methodist Ei^is- 
copal Church, and her death occurred about IHdO, ^:^ 
that of her husband having taken jJace three years i-^ 
previously, in 18o7, and they are both buried in " " 
.letferson Count}', Ohio. : ^, 

The early years of our subject were spent on the : Tji 
farm, assisting his father in the maintenance of the 3 |:-! 
family, and attending the subscription schools of E fj 
that d.ay and localitj'. Oct. 10, 1850, he was mar- c :]] 
ried to JSIiss Martha Stephenson, born May 1, 18.'52. 
She was a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth 
(Cloakey) Stephenson, natives of Penns^dvania, 
and both members of the Presbyterian Church; 
they are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs, Jenkins be- 
came the parents of two children: Kiturah \',, 
bom Nov. .'iO, 18.52, is the wife of James Gardner 
a 
Alonz' 

During the year 1855 our subject and family 
moved to the farm on section 2(j where they now 
reside. At that time he purchased 200 acres of 
unimproved land, having since then been continu- 
ously' occupied in its imjirovement, and has added 
thereto until his landed interests now amount to 
235 acres of as good farm land as is to be found in 
Wapello County. In 1857 our subject sustained a 
great loss in the demise of his faithful and loving 
companion. .She was a consistent member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and is buried in the Kirk- 
ville graveyard. April 29, 1858, Mr. Jenkins was 
.again married, Aliss Mary Bntin being the other 
contracting party. She was born Dec. 17, 1832, 
in Hocking County, Ohio, and is the daughter of 
Abraham and Olive (Coleman) Bntin, the former a 
native of Holland and the latter of New York. 
Both are deceased. The father died Maj' 3, 1853, 
(jver sixty-three j-ears of age, and the mother Jan 
5, 1855, sixty-two years old. Thej' were members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are buried 
side by side in the Chillicothe Cemetery, Of the 
latter union of oui' subject four children have been 



111 l^ov. -jv;, i.^;ji, is tne wiie oi .James wariiuer, ><:>i 
farmer of Columbia Township, this county: B;'„ 
onzo, born .June 2, 1850, died .Sept. 7, 1857, j n. 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 




born, the record of whom is as follows : Mary E., 
bom Oct. 29, USUI, is a graduate of the Mt. Pleas- 
ant school, and at present is teaching in the public 
schools at Agency; Sarah R., born March 1<S, 1804, 
is a graduate of the Chillieothe schools; George E., 
born Jan. 1, 1867. is living at home, and Myrtie B. 
was born Oct. 21, 1871. 

iMr. Jenkins has held the oftice of Assessor two 
terms, and lilvcwise various other township offices. 
Socially lie is a member of the ALasonic fraternitj', 
holding fellowship with Lodge No. lfi,of Ottumwa, 
and is likewise a member of the L O. O. F. Mrs. 
Jenlvius belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and is an active worker in the cause of the Master. 
Mr. Jenkins has always been identified with every 
movement calculated to benefit the community in 
which he lives. In politics he votes with the Re- 
publican party. A view of his residence and sur- 
roundings is presented on another page of this 
work. 

— -r* -i^^l' n-— . 

\fj S. MoCLELAND, a highly respected resi- 
dent of Ottumwa, was born in Pennsylvania 
on the 10th of June, 1843, his parents soon 
afterward removing to the Territory of 
Iowa, their first location being in Washington 
Count}', where our subject lived until a young 
man, and entered the office of the AVashington 
Press to learn the printer's trade. The Civil W.ar 
then coming on he enlisted in Co. H, 2d Iowa Vol. 
Inf., and was in the division under Gen. MePher- 
son until the latter was killed, afterward under 
Gen. Logan. He participated with his comrades 
in the various battles and minor engagements which 
they encountered, marched from Atlanta to the sea 
c with (len. Sherman, and found himself unharmed 
rX at the close of the war, being mustered out in July, 
18(1.5. He then returned to iiis former occupation. 
In 186(1 he went to (ialesburg, and purchased an 
interest in one of the leading journals there, re- 
maining one year, and in 1867 was connected with 
the Dixon ^Idccrtiser. 

Mr. McCleland was married in G.alcsburg to 
Miss Florence Maguire, a native of Hartford, 
Conn., who was born in 1852. He soon after- 
ward removed to Carthage, and thence to Wash- 






ington, where he worked upon the Gazette for five 
years. He afterward went to Sigourney, Iowa, 
and in 1881 became a resident of Ottumwa, where 
he has since remained. 

Mr. McCleland is a member of Washington 
Lodge No. 26, A. F. & A. M., Cyrus Ch;ipter No. 
i.3, and Clinton Chapter No. 9, also of Malta Com- 
mandery No. 31. The famil}' circle includes two 
children — Mazie E. and Willie S. 

-^ '^-^ ^ 




ORIARTY, EGAN <fe CO., wholesale gro- 
cers of Ottumwa, established their present 
J iJti business in the spring of 1882. Their sale- 
's' room is 44x98 feet in dimensions, and they 
occupy the larger portion of a brick building, two 
stories in lieight, Iceeping three men constantly em- 
ployed in traveling through Southern Iowa and 
Northern Missouri. They h.ave a tr.ade of $300,- 
000 annu.ally, which they have secured by strict 
attention to business and straightforward dealing. 
Their transactions extend throughout this and ad- 
jacent .States, and they may justly be proud of the 
patronage witli which they have been favored by 
their honorable, systematic business methods. Tlie 
firm bears a prominent part in tlie business interests 
of this section, and is widely and favorably known 
along the Mississippi A'alley. 




■^ OHN B. MAXON, Assistant Superintendent 
of the Middle Iowa Division of the C, B. 
& Q. R. R., is a self-made man. He was 
born in Clarke County, on Mad River, near 
Fairfield, Ohio, Sept. 29, 1833, and is the son of 
James and Eliza (Ilardm.an) Maxon, pioneers of 
that State, going there when children with their 
parents. They were married in Greene County. 
They settled upon a farm where five children were 
born to them. Three died in infancy, the others 
living to the age of majority. The daughter be- 
came the wife of A. W. Hempleman, of Richmond, 
Ind., and died ni 1877, leaving thi'ee children. 
James Maxon was a man of more than ordinary 



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.•il)ilil\-, a great render, and strictly honest in his 
dealings with his fellow-man. He was a sincere 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was an 
active Mason during his life, and filled all the 
chairs in his lodge. He departed this life in 1830, 
and was buried with Masonic honors. His wife 
formed a second matrimonial alliance, Finneas Da- 
vis being tlie other contracting partly, and by this 
union there were four children, three of whom are 
yet living. Mrs. Davis departed this life in 18.59, 
mourned and respected by all who knew her; she 
left a family of five children. 

The subject of this notice was reared and educa- 
ted in Greene CVjunty, Ohio, receiving pulj" a 
common-school education. He was left an orphan 
with four others when fifteen years old, and being 
the eldest of the children, the responsibility of rear- 
ing and educating his younger brothers and sisters 
naturally fell upon him. Young Maxon was equal 
. — to the eniergenc3', and throwing off his coat went to 
h work upon the farm, and succeeded with the assist- _|. 
p^ ance of friends, in procuring a comfortable home, 
and with what he could earn contributed to their 
suppcirt until they were old enough to lend a help- 
B i ing hand, and the family was unbroken until thej' 
HLJU-, had attained the age of maturity, and had all of 
them procured homes of their own. After seeing 
all his brothers and sisters provided for, our subject, 
hoping to better his financial condition, came West 
with a family who were moving to Illinois. He 
first located .at Hcnnci)in, Putnam County, on the 
Illinois River. There, ])y accident, he met some 
relatives, with whom he remained a short time and, 
in the fall of 18;jl, went to Aurora, where he at- 
tended High School, doing chores nights and morn- 
ings for his board. The following spring he was 
employed as a clerk in a dry -goods store, and was 
thus occupied until the spring of 18.55. 

During the year last named our subject went into 
Henry County, where he became connected in a 
mercantile and coal enterprise, and in which he 
continued initil 1809. On account of failing 
health, he was compelled to abandon the position, 
although it was bringing him §1,000 a year. He 
then took a position on the C, B. & Q. R. R. as 
br.akeman, receiving for his services only %4o per 
"month. In Januarj', l.sTO, he was promoted fore- 




man upon the track, and subsequently was pro- 
moted conductor of a construction train. In 1872 
he was again promoted, becoming Roadmaster be- 
tween IMendt)ta and Galesburg, and subsequentlj' 
being transferred to Aurora. Here he was given 
charge as Roadmaster of the Chicago Division, in- 
cluding the jMendota and Fox River branches. Jlr. 
Maxon for several years managed the work en- 
trusted to two Roadmasters, and rendered excellent 
service to the company. 

In August, 1882, our subject was sent toOtlumwa 
as Superintendent of the Middle Division of the 
C, B. & il. At that time, there was, beside the 
main line, only the Albia & Des IMoines and the 
Albia & Moravia, a small portion of the south 
branch and Indianola embraced in the mileage. 
Now the total mileage is 475 miles, and eml)races 
five divisions, namely : Ottumwa to Creston, Al- 
bia to Des Moines, Albia to Moravia, Des Moines 
to St. .loseph. Mo., and Bethany Junction to Grand 
City, Mo. During Mr. Maxon's administration 
about sixty miles of double track were completed, 
making the Middle Division practically the best 
built road in the State. Early in 1885 the addi- 
tional responsibilities of the track and bridge build- 
ing departments were turned over to him, placing 
the following arm\' of men under his control : Sta- 
tion service, 201 ; train service, 202; track service, 
1,114; new bridge building and water service, 1 04 ; 
switchmen, 40; engineers and firemen, 130. With 
this army of emplo3'es and all their various pur- 
suits to manage, there is hardly to be found any- 
where within the State a harder worked man than 
Superintendent Maxon. A year .ago, Mr. Maxon 
seeing the necessity f(n' more yai'd room in the city, 
conferred ^^■itll the officials at Chicago and secured 
the enlargement of the j'ards, costing :J< 100,000, 
which work is just now being completed. Superin- 
tendent Maxon is justlj' credited with having the 
finest railrt>ad division and most perfect system of 
a.ny in Iowa, and he, together with Superintendent 
Duggan of Creston, and Assistant Superintendent 
Stewart of Burlingtim, are considered the most 
successful men in their line within the boundaries 
of the State. j\Ir. JNIaxon's popularity with the 
public and his employes is marked, and though he 
requires strict obedience to his orders, he is cour- 



1-^ 



teoiis and kind, and in consequence, is held in veiy 
esteem. He is assisted in his worlv by four io:id- 
niasters, two trainmasters, a foreman of the build- 
ing department, and a train dispatcher. 

Mr. Maxon was married at Aurora, 111., in March, 
1857, to Miss IMaria Ilackne}-, daughter of Adam 
Hackney, a native of New York. Their union has 
been blest Ijy four cliildreii, two sons and two 
daughters: Edward C, who was private secretary 
for his father until his health failed, went to 
Mexico, wliere he died in the twenty-seventh 3'ear 
of his age; the others are Kate N., AVilliam F. and 
Helen E. Mr. Maxon and famil}- are living in the 
city of Ottumwa, surrounded by a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances. He is a member of the 
JIasonic fraternity. 



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fUi- ^^- l^^UL C. JEFFRIES, deceased, was 
liorn Maj' 4, 171)0, in Mecklinburg County', 
Xa. He was the son of Richard Jeffries, a 
wealthj- planter of the Old Dominion, and 
like most sons of wealthy men of the South, he had 
no special calling, in other words, was a youth of 
leisure. The parents of the subject of this sketch, 
not intending him for any of the learned profes- 
sions, did not afford him an opportunity for a clas- 
sical education, yet he was given a very thorough 
English course. 

Young Jeffries remained at home most of the 
time until his marriage, which took place Dec. 4, 
1817, the ladj' of his choice being Miss Mary B. 
Evans, born and raised in the same county, and 
four years his junior. After his marriage he fol- 
lowed the business of a planter, in the county of 
his birth, until the fall of 1820, wiien he moved to 
Nicholas County, Ky., where for some years he de- 
voted himself to teaching, and until he purchased a 
large plantation in Mercer County, the same State. 
In connection with the business of farming in Mer- 
cer County, he bought and drove hogs and horses 
to the South Mississippi and Alabama, more or less 
every 3'ear, until 1837, when through the failure of 
banks in the South and in Kentucky he became 
financially crippled, and had to dispose of his large 
[jiantatiou and such i)ersonal property as he had on it. 



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With the exception of one j'ear when he lived in Ilar- 
rodsburg, he continued in the business of farming 
on a limited scale until the spring of 1842, when he 
removed to Iowa, settling in Van Ruren County. 

When he moved to Iowa Judge Jeffries had 
very little left of what had been an ample for- 
tune. Our subject's family consisted of himself, 
Mrs. Jeffries, a daughter and twt) sons. His daugh- 
ter, now the wife of Judge Ilendershott, of Ot- 
tumwa, and one of his sons, Mr. B. W. Jeffries, re- 
siding in South Ottumwa, alone are living. Raul 
C. Jeffries settled in Ottumwa with his family on 
the 16th day of May, 1844. He was one of the 
original proprietors who located and laid out the 
town of Ottumwa. At the election held in the 
county of AVapello, in April, 1844, being the first 
election held in the county, Mr. Jeffries was elected 
to the office of Judge of Probate ; the imiiortance 
of said otlice is pointed out elsewhere in this vol- 
ume. 

That Judge Jeffries filled his station with marked 
ability and unquestioned integrity is cheerfully 
conceded by all who knew him while in office, and 
there are many such now living in the connt3^ In 
the language of another we quote : "It is natural to 
associate crude men with new counties, and to ex- 
pect to find imperfect records of early events ; but 
in the case of this county (Wapello) one is agreea- 
bly surprised to find evidence of clear minds, well 
drilled business habits, and methodical waj'S. This 
good impression is due in no small degree to the 
care and experience of Judge Paul C. Jeffries." 

Judge Jeffries at one time, and for some _years 
after settling in Ottumwa, held the office of United 
States Pension Agent for this district, located at 
the place of his residence. He was a popular of- 
ficer, and left the office with honor and credit, and 
without the slightest intimation from any source 
that his record was not pure and clean. He also, 
while the sessions of the Iowa Supreme Court were 
held at Ottumwa, acted as Clerk of that court, and 
as in the other official station filled by him, ren- 
dered entire satisfaction to the Court, the bar ami 
the people. In sectionizing portions of the (tov- 
ernment lands in Wapello County, a man by the 
name of Barrow had been appointed to do the work, 
and under his appointment had sectionized, or pre 




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\\"APELLO COUNTY. 







tended to do so, five or six townships. It was as- 
certained, however, tliat I'.arrow's surve.y was so 
defective and inaccurate that a rc-surve^' would 
have to be made. Tiiis service was assigned to 
.liidge Jeffries, who did tlie work to the entire satis- 
faction of the Government. 

Judge Jeffries was at an early day P<jstmaster at 
Ottuniwa. He held many other olticial trusts, and 
fi| in each it may be truthfully said he was an honest, 
honorable, capable and faithful officer. In politics 
lie was a Democrat of tlie old school, not from 
policy, but from conviction of the right. And 
wliile it may be said of him that he was a strict 
partisan, he had the most considerate regard for 
the feelings ami judgments of his opponents, and 
most scrupulously avoided giving offense in urging 
the right of his partj\ He had no enemies. In 
religion Judge Jeffries was a Presbyterian, and 
at the time of his death, Dec 17, 187G, and for 
many years before, was a member of that church in 
Ottumwa. He lived an honest, upright life and 
died a Christian. 

Of Mrs. Jeffries, who died June Ul, 1882,itisap- 
[)ropriate here to say, that she was a noble woman, 
and in every way worthy of such a long life com- 
panion. Their home was the abode of love and 
affection. Their friends were all who knew them. 
It may not lie inappropriate to give here an ac- 
count taken from the press at his home, of the cele- 
bration of the golden wedding of Judge and Mrs. 
Jeffries, Dec. 4, 18G7: 

'•The fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. 
Paul C. Jeffries and Mrs. Mary B. Jeffries was cele- 
brated at the residence of Judge llcndershott, in 
this place, on the evening of the 4th inst. There were 
in attendance on the occasion about 200 persons. 
About 10:30 o'ch>ck, the formal part of the occa- 
sion transpired. The bride and groom made their 
appearance, attended by two bridesmaids, Miss 
Laura Jones and Mrs. S. Coffin, and a correspond- 
ing number of groomsmen. Col. Thompson, of 
Fairfield, and Maj. Mahon, of this place. 

"The parties passed in from the west rooms of 
Judge Ilendershott's large building to the parlor. 
Col. Thompson and Miss Jones leading the waj', 
they followed by the bride and groom, and they in 
turn bj' Maj. Malion and Mrs. Coflhi. After the3' 



had been placed in position. Judge Ilendershott in- 
troduced the happj' pair to their friends in a few 
well-timed and feeling remarks, giving an account 
of their marriage, and a short, brief history of 
Judge Jeffries and wife from childhood to the pres- 
ent. After this introductory^ the Rev. Mr. McKl- 
roy. Pastor of the Presljyterian Church, of which 
Judge Jeffries and wife are members, pronounced 
one of the most happily conceived marriage cere- 
monies we ever listened to. 

"After the ceremony a general good time of joy 
ous congratulations followed, when the many golden 
tokens, which were prepared by the friends of 
Judge Jeffries and wife for the occasion, were pre- 
sented in an address full of feeling and eloquence, 
by Hon. E. H. Stiles. Then was most sweetl}' sung 
a piece of music entitled 'The Gtilden Wedding' 
by Mr. Ilowerton, Mr. Hastings, Master C. D. Ilen- 
dershott and Mr. Green. Then followed the [n-esent- 
ation of a massive and very valuable liilJe, by (4en. 
Weaver, in eloquent and apiiroitriate remarks. 
After these ceremonies were gone through with, the 
joyous company' did ample justice to the delicacies 
which had been prepared for the occasion. The 
whole affair wound up with a brilliant dance which 
closed at 3:30 A. M. Take the occasion all in all 
it was the grandest affair that ever took place in 
our city." 

EA'. I. P. TETER, Presiding Elder of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in the Ottum- 
wa District, is a native of Lewis County, 
Va., and was born May 11, 182!). He is a 
son of James and Barbara (Reger) Teter, both na- 
tives of the Old Dominion and both now deceased. 
Of their five children the record is as follows: Al- 
vah lives in Virginia; John is a large cattle-dealer 
in Kansas; Jacob is in Virginia; Isaac, our subject, 
was the fourth son; Granville is deceased. 

The subject of this history- grew to manhood in 
his native count}', received careful training at the 
hands of most excellent parents, and obtained his 
early education in the common schools of that sec- 
tion. Early in life he determined to become a 
minister of the Gospel, and with that end in view 
closely pursued a course of Scriptural stud}'. He 




^StihiSS v,j444<i4. 




lit 
15 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



537 



was married iu Buchanan, Va., Oct. 25, 1849, to 
Miss Rebecca Jackson, who was bora July 2,5, 183L 
Her parents, Edward H. and Rebecca (l^ove) Jack- 
sou, were also natives of Virginia, and both de- 
scended from excellent families. Their household 
included four sons and seven daughters, as follows: 
Margaret married Ji)b Ilinkle, of A'irginia, who 
is now deceased ; Saiah became the wife of William 
Sexton, and lives in Virginia; Mary was united in 
marriage with Xal .Strader, of ^'irginia; Elizabeth 
is deceased; John G. married Miss Salina Norman, 
of Virginia; AVilliam L. is a bachelor; Minter J. 
married jNIiss Alar^^ Cummins; Winford E. became 
the wife of Will S. Peterson, of Iowa; and they 
are now residents of Washington, D. C. ; Prudence 
A. is deceased ; the wife of our subject was the 
next in order of birth; Ii;. N. B. married a Miss 
Wilkins(m, of Iowa, and they reside in California. 
Our subject and wife are the parents of two chil- 
dren: Joseph C, a resident of Burlington, and 
Frank Elbert, of Ottumwa. 

After becoming fltteil for ministerial labors Mr. 
Teter resolved to come West for a permanent loca- 
tion, and accordingly, crossing the jMississippi in 
1853, became identified with the Iowa Conference. 
In the fall of 1861, having fully established himself 
in the confidence and esteem of the people of this 
section, and deeply interested in its welfare, he was 
elected to the Ninth General Assembly of the State 
of Iowa, as Senator from the Sixteenth District. 
He fulfilled the duties of this position with great 
credit, and then, the Civil War being in progress, 
became Chaplain of the 7th Iowa Infantry and also 
of the United States lIosi)ital at Keokidv. In this 
capacity he sympathized with the unf(jrtunate, 
cheered and encouraged the sick and wuunded, and 
became the object of affectionate attachment by 
many who never lived to tell the tale. 

At the close of the war Mr. Teter became Pre- 
siding Elder of the Burlington District, and siuce 
then has spent the greater part of his time in build- 
ing up the cause of religion and morality. He is 
an earnest advocate of prohibition, and bj- his in- 
fluence and public speeches has contributed in no 
small degree to bringing the State to its present 
higli position on the temperance question. He has 
taken an active interest in all matters pertaining to 



the general welfare of his adopted State, and has 
labored witli liut little recompense for the good of 
his fellow-men. He possesses a keen insight into 
human nature, and has made the most of his oppor- 
tunities of reading and study. He is a fluent 
speaker, jjossesses a valuable fund of information, 
and without apparent effort secures the close atten- 
tion of his audiences. His words are well selected 
and his line of argument at once takes hold of the 
reason and sjnipathy of his hearers. He has built 
up a good record and made for himself hosts of 
friends in this countj'. 



"^ OHN C. PROSSER, an esteemed citizen of 
Center Tovvuship, has been a resident of 
Wapello County since 185G, and after living 
here for a period of nearly thirty years has 
established for himself a record as an honest man 
and an industrious and enterprising citizen. 

The subject of this history was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1844, and is the son of John and Mar- 
aret (Gittins) Prosser, who were natives respect- 
ively of Wales and Pennsylvania. While still a 
young boy the parents of our subject started 
via the Erie Canal on a journey to the farther 
AVest, crossing the intervening States to the Mis- 
sissippi River, which the}' were ferried :icr()ss, 
and, coming into Wapello County, Iowa, made 
their first location in Oltuniwa, where the father 
worked as a carpenter, nud when his sun became of 
suitable age taught him the same trade. 

In the meantime young Prosser took a trip l«i 
St. Louis, both to get a farther sight of the coun- 
try, and to engage at his trade. He remained there 
until 1874, and then returned to his parents iu Wa- 
pello County, soon afterward purcliasing the tract 
of land which he now owns and occupies. In the 
meantime, in 18G2. he had taken to himself a wife, 
in the person of Miss Eliza Mulford, a native of 
Marion Count}', Ohio, and the daughter of Lcvvis 
and Annie (Miller) JMulford, natives respectively 
of New Jersey and I'ennsj'lvania. Of liiis union 
there were six children, as follows: Charles Lewis 
wiis born July 10, 1870; Rosa May, born May 11, 
1872, died October 27 of the same ^ear; Ecbia Pcail, 



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WAPELLO COUKTY. 



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Egg- born Aug. 15, 1874, is at home; Harry Otto, born 

(^ Aug. 10, 1878, (lied April 8, 1881 ; Walter C, born 

9B| April 4, 1882, died Ma}' 27 of the same .year; 

Kjjj' Harvey John was born JIarch 10, 1885. Mr. and 

fflj Mrs. P. are nieinl)eis in good standing of the 

^Hl Methodist KpiscopMi t'hiucli, and ixilitically .Mr. P. 

tS^ alllliates with the Kcindilieau [)arty. He lias been 

Hftl] President of the SehiKil Poard for three years, and 

is interested in everything [lertainiug to the general 

ivelfare of his eounty and eomniunity. 

The father of Mrs. Prosser departed this life in 
February, 1873, at the age of sixty years. Her 
liagj mother still liyes at Ottuniwa, Iowa. John Prosser, 
the father of our subjeet, was a soldier of the late 
war, and died June !), 1884, at the age of sixty- 
three years. His wife, Margaret (1. Prosser, and 
the m<)thcr of our subjeet, died when the latter was 
a cliild, iu Ijirniingham, Pa., of eholera, in 1841t. 



KX. S. L. BURN HAM, at present a resident 
of tiie city of Ottuniwa, is a native of St. 
»i \\\ Albans, Vt., and was bt)rn on the 23d of 
^ISIay, 1830. He is the son of Philander 
and Eleeta (Beals) Burnham, who were the parents 
cif nine children — six .sons and three daughters — 
recorded as follows: Sheppard, the eldest, is a 
resident of Stoughton, iMass. ; Miranda is the wife 
of Timothy Soule, of Canada; Ebenezer lives in 
Dakota; Philander is deceased; Charles enlisted as 
a soldier of the Union during the late Rebellion, 
was captured by the rebels, and it is sujjposed that 
he died in some Southern prison ; George is de- 
ceased ; Electa married W. H. Clark, of St. Albans, 
Vt. ; S. L., our subject; Sarah became the wife of 
J. Ballard, also of St. Albans. 

When Mr. Burnham of this sketch was a youth 
of fourteen years he was deprived of his father by 
death. He had received his primary education in 
the public schools of his native town, and after the 
decease of his father he was sent to (icorgia Acad- 
emy in his native State, and subsequently to New 
Hampton College and Theological Institute, where 
he completed his studies, lieing fully qualified to 
enter upon his chosen profession, that of a minister 
of the Gospel. He commenced his labors in 181)1, 



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taking charge of the Baptist Church at Nicholvillo 
N. Y. He remained there one year, and in l.s(;2, SlJ 
having a desire to visit the western country, crossec 
the Father of Waters and came to Muscatine, Iowa 
where he was jjlaced in charge of the BMpli>t : ^ 
Church, and continned three years. Duriiii;- thi^ - ? 
coni[)aratively short time he collected funds ami V'i 
erected a church at a cost of ^12,000, and ;[} 
baptized and added about sixty niouibers to the 
societ}'. He then came to Ottumwa, and took 
charge of the Baptist Church in this city fur two 
years. During his pastorate here, in coniiiany with 
Rev. Morgan lidwards. known as the "sailor 
|)reacher." Mi'. Burnham held a very successful re- 
vival, adding to the church some sixty souls. 
Al)out this time he gave up the pastorate of the 
church, which thus lost an earnest worker and an 
able adv<icate. Since leaving the ministry Mr. 
Burniiain h.as held the otHee of Superintendent of 
Schools of this count}', and iu other respects has 
materially aided in the advancciuent of education 
and morality. \ 

The life of our subject has Ijecn an energetic ami ■. > 
industrious one. He has been moderate and leni- :_H 
perate in his manner of living, and is now the ::[i. 
owner of a fine i)roperty, consisting of 800 acres ::|j 
of land, all improved and well fitted for his present ::k 
business, breediii"' fine stock, to which he has "iven :\i. 
the greater part of his time and attention for a i'A 
number of years. His herd now consists of about :ii 
100 head of high-grade Short-horn cattle, and his ~'\'^ 
stud of sixty Clydesdale and Percheron horses are 
models of beauty and symmetry, very valuable, 
and possess as draft animals that strength and en- 
durance for which those breeds are so noted. JMr. 
Burnham has established an enviable reputation in 
this section of the Ilawkeye State as a breeder of 
fine stock, and is not afraid to exhibit his animals 
with any others in the Mississippi Valley. Our 
subject, finding that he had still a little spare time, 
has also been quite extensively engaged in real- 
estate transactions, which are yielding him a hand- 
some income. He recently purchased 7(18 acres of S?J 
land and a herd of cattle in Kansas, and intentls 
soon to establish a ranch there, where he jiroposes 
to breed high-grade stock. 

The subject of this history, on Sept. (i, 1804, ua.-- 



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united in niaiviage with Miss Josephine E., the 
daughter of Orin and Sally (Remington) Andrews, 
natives of St. Lawrence Count}', N. Y. Of this 
union there are two children: Sandford A. was 
born Oct. 5, 1868, graduated at the Ottuniwa High 
School, and is now the book-keeper of White Breast 
Coal Company; Fred II., born Dec. 20, 1872, is 
still a student. Mrs. Burnhaia is a lady of fine ac- 
complishments, and interested in many good works. 
She is State Secretary of the National Pi-imary 
Sabbath-school Union, and has been connected 
offleially with the local and county W. C. T. U. 
since its organization. She is an earnest worker in 
the temperance cause, having for years given to it 
much of her time and attention. She now holds 
the office of President of the county W. C. T. 
U., and is Secretary of the Ottumwa Society for 
the Relief of the Poor. She is also Secretar}' 
of the Woman's Foreign Mission, and the Occa- 
boso Baptist Association. She is a strong ad- 
vocate of equal suffrage. Mrs. B. is a lady of 
broad culture and refinement, and always promi- 
nent in every worth}' movement for the good of 
society at large. 

Mr. and Mrs. B. occupy a handsome and com- 
fortable residence, and enjoy the esteem and friend- 
ship of a large circle of acquaintances. Mr. B. is a 
Republican in politics, and as a business man and 
citizen ranks among the representative men of Wa- 
pello County. 



J II. CARVER, a farmer and stock-grower, of 
Richland Township, was born in Harrison 
Count}', Ohio, Dec. 2, 1818. His parents 
' were John and Abigail (Wilson) Carver. 
His father died in Ohio in about 1.S20, and the 
mother came West with our subject in 184'J. He 
was married, in about 1841, to Miss Mary, the 
daughter of Stephen Thackery, and they became 
the parents of three children : The eldest son is a 
conductor on the Rock Island Division of the C, 
B. cfe Q. R. R., from Keokuk to Des Moines; James 
M. <li(il ill IS.");!; I. M. and his wife live in Kansas; 
their ciiildren arc as follows: II. B. lives in Benton 
County, Iowa; Clara M., near Kirkville; C. O., at 



murnxuxmrTTTTT; 



Albia; S. A. W., at Ottumwa; F. M. is teaching in 
Chillicothe; C. E., H. L. and Jesse are at home. 

Mr. Carver is the owner of 583 acres of land, 
supplied with five dwelling-houses, two barns, and 
other substantial and necessary farm buildings, lb' 
has been a man of influence in this vicinity, and 
represented the county in the State Legislature in 
1875. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and 
he and his estimable wife are members in good 
standing of the Metlioilist Episcopal Church. 



^^ W. DICKINS. There are through this 
f|[ ,— , section of Iowa many extensive and pros- 
^^5) perous farmers, those who came here at an 
early day, when the fertile prairie land was cov- 
ered with a verdant growth of waving gr.ass, and 
the wolf and deer were frequently seen around the 
little settlement. Among this number, antl one 
who is highly respected and greatly esteemed by a 
multitude of friends, is our subject. He was 
born in Wyandotte County, Ohio, Sept. 18, 1843, 
and is the son of T. M. Dickins, a prominent early 
settler of this county, and with whom G. W. came 
to the county as early as 184G. The mother's 
maiden name was Elizabeth Stayle. 

Our subject was reared here, nothing of special 
importance occurring in his life until his enlist- 
ment, in 1862, to defend his country's banner, 
which had found an enemy in those whom it had 
for nearly 100 years sheltered. He enlisted in Co. 
I, 1st Iowa Vol. Cav., Aug. 12, 1862, at Davenport. 
From there he went to St. Louis, where he was 
taken sick, and for two months lay in the hospital. 
Regaining his strength he joined his regiment, 
which had marched to Forsythe, Mo., when the 
army was ordered back to Rolla. In 1863 the 
regiment was at I'ilot Knob, under Gen. Steele, 
7th Army Corps. They were then ordered to 
Little Rock, and on the 1st day of January, 18G4, 
the regiment veteranized, expecting to come home 
on a veteran furlough, but (ien. Steele took all the 
available forces to join Gen. Banks on the Red 
River expedition. The men of the regiment to 
which our subject belonged, having sold their 
horses, marched on foot, traveling some 600 miles 







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,40 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



on what is known as tlie Camden expedition. After 
the Red River expedition the regiment was sent to 
Jefferson City, Mo., thence to Little Rock, .and 
thence to Memphis. Wliile at the latter city the 
joyful news of the surrender of Lee came to them, 
and the sad, sad news of the assassination of Abra- 
ham Lincoln was also made known to them while 
there. They thought that thej^ would soon be 
mustered out and return home, but they were dis- 
appointed, for the regiment was ordered to Alex- 
andria, La., marching first to Hempstead, Tex., 
then to Austin, Tex., thence to Waco, where the}' 
i^ ^-^li received orders to return to Austin to be mustered 
pj ijj out, which they did, and were there discharged, 
fnp^l and paid off at Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Dickins has 
a gr.and war record, having served three years and 
ten months, and participated in forty-six engage- 
ments, and may justlj- feel proud of the record 
which he leaves to his posterity. 

Returning from his many fields of conflict to his 
home in this county he engaged in farming, and 
has since followed that vocation. He was married, 
.June 2, 1864, to Miss Elizjibeth JL Hawthorne, 
and four children have been born to them, three 
sons and one daughter: Wilbur T. died in .June, 
1871; Anthony departed this life in infancy ; Mar}' 
1). was born July 10, 1809; Hiram H., Oct. 7, 1871. 
Mrs. Dickins died June 20, 1874, and March 30, 
187.5, our subject was again married. Miss Martha 
C. Eller, a daughter of Harvey and Mary C. EUer, 
being the other contracting party. She was born 
Sept. 19, 18.55, and their union has been blest b}' 
the birth of three children : Scott M., born Aug. 1 , 
1876; Rella ]M., Feb. 5, 1.S79, and K.atie, May 30, 
1881. 

In ixilitics Mr. Dickins is a Republican. He has 
held many of the local offices of the township and 
County, has been a member of the Board of Super- 
visors, and in 18si w.as elected to represent his 
district in the State Legislature. He is a self-made 
man, and has accumulated handsomely of this 
world's goods, lieing the proi)rietor of 760 acres of 
fine farming land in Wapello Count}'. He makes 
a specialty of Sjiort-horn cattle. Clydesdale horses 
and Poiand-Cliina hogs, and has a liarn on his place 
with a cap.icity for 20ii licid of stock. Mr. aud 
Mrs. Dickins are both mcmljers cif the Baptist 



1^9 





^^ ^^^^^^^^ 



Church. He is one of the foremost citizens of [ 
AVapello Count}', and in .all business trans.actions 
his word is as good as his bond. Mr. Dickins is 
Commander of the G. A. R. Post of which he is a 
member. 

As one f)f the representative farm homesteads of 
Wapello County, we present in this Ai.ium a 
view of the flue farm property of JNIr. Dickins. 



-^>>- 



■■o^-(C^</^-o*o.. 



JOSHUA B. JONES has been n resident of 
the State of Iowa since 18.56. He came 
from Indiana by team to this State, the trip 
occupying twenty-one d.\ys. After arriv- 
ing here he purchased 2,000 acres of land and be- 
gan the opening up of a f.arm, which he intended 
should become a permanent homestead for himself 
and family. He now owns and occupies a valuable 
estate in Adams Township, which is located on sec- 
tion .5, and forms one of the most attractive spots 
on the landscape of W.apello County, and during a 
long residence of over thirty years has fully estab- 
lished himself in the respect and confidence of his 
neighbors and acquaintances. 

The subject of our sketch is a native of Mrginia, 
and was born Dec. 3, 1804, in Henrico County. 
His parents were Joshua and Mary (Richardson) 
Jones, n.atives of Virginia. The mother, in early 
life, was deprived of the protecting care of both 
parents. After her marriage with the father of our 
subject and the birth of their son, they removed 
from Virginia to Kentucky, locating in the latter 
State in 1807. They staid there until the fall of 
1831, and then removed to Indiana, where the fa- 
ther died in about 1845, at the .age of seventy-five 
years. The mother surviA'ed her husband four 
years, and at her death was eighty-four years vW. 
Both parents were members of the Baptist Church, 
and their remains are buried in Montgomery 
County, Ind. 

The subject of our sketch was married to Miss- 
Rebecca Carman, on the 17th of June, 1830. Mrs. 
J. was the daughter of Isa.ac .and JL-iry (Hughes) 
Carman. She was stricken down with the cholera 
and died in 1844. She was forty-two years old, 
aud iu-r icmains wore laid to rest in Shelby County 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



Ky. Of this marriage there were five children: 
William R. is a farmer in Adams Township; Isaac 
S. resides at Albia ; Joshua W. is also a farmer: 
Mary E. died at the age of thirty-twu years, and a 
son died in infancy. 

Mr. Jones removed from Indiana to Iowa in the 
fall of 1850, with his famil}', as above stated, lie 
had been married again, about a year after his first 
wife's death, to Mrs. Rachel Dickerson, the widow 
of .Solomon Dickerson. .She was born in Ross 
County-, K}'., Aug. 10, 1810, and on her father's 
side was descended from the German. Her mother 
died when she was too 3'oung to remember her. 
Our subject and his wife became the parents of 
four children, nameh' : Ilenrj', who is engaged as a 
farmer and gardener in Union, this State; Robert 
K. was born April 11, 1848, and Jesse H., Jan. 15, 
1850;. Sarah C, born March 16, 1852, is the wife of 
James Kinney, and they are now living on the old 
homestead. Mr. Jones and his wife are members 
in good standing of the Baptist Church, and polit- 
ically our subject alfiliates witii the Democratic 
part}'. (For parental history of our subject see 
sketcli of William R. Jones.) 



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iDWARD ULREY. The sul)ject of this 
sketch is pleasantly located on section 13, 
C'ompetine Township, and is successfully 
following the joint occupation of farmer and stock- 
raiser, and has been a resident of the Hawkeye 
State since 18(!8. During this i)eriod he has estab- 
lished a reputation as a good citizen, and his exam- 
ple of industry has been an incentive to many 
others to follow in his footsteps, as being an illus- 
tration of what a spirit of determination can ac- 
complish. 

The subject of this history is the son of David 
and Margaret (Richardson) Ulrey, natives respect- 
ivelj' of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Tiie birth 
of the father occurred Aug. 23, 1791, in Washing- 
ton Count}', and he departed this life Oct. 12, 1859. 
in Knox County, Ohio, whither he had emigrated 
several years before. Bj' a previous marriage with 
Miss Mary Clark there were born eight children, as 
follows: ^'alentine, born April 29, 1814, died 




in Knox County, Ohio, in 1884; William, born 
July 28, 1816, died March 15,1849; John, born 
Sept. 1, 1819, died Sept. 30, 1844, in Knoxville, 
Ohio; Stephen, born May 20, 1821, died .Sept. 24, 
1846, in Allen County, Ohio; Elizabeth, bornfi' 
April 17, 1823, became the wife of John Brackney, 
and resides in Auglaize County, Ohio ; Emma, born 
July 26, 1825, died in about 1861, in Allen County, 
Ohio; Jane, born .Sept. 2, 1827, is the wife of J. 
H. Lusk, a farmer and stock-raiser of Auglaize 
County, Ohio; Thamar, born Feb. 14, 1830, died 
Nov. 28, 1849, in Allen County, Ohio. The mother 
of these children departed this life Feb. 19, 1833, 
in Knox County, Ohio. 

By the second marriage of Mr. Uli'ey there were 
the following children: David, born Aug. 28, 
1834, is a resident of this county; Mary, born July !|;' 
29, 183G, died Sept. 3, 1860, in Knox County, Ohio; '"■■ 
Edward, of our sketch, was born Feb. 13, 1838; 
Hugh, born March 5, 1840, is a resident of Mon- 
terey County, Cal., being engaged as a farmer and 
stock-raiser; Hannah, l)orn June 13, 1842, is the 
wife of G. W. .Spencer, a farmer of Nebraska. 

In 1862, while a young man, Mr. Ulrey started 
on a trip overland to California, where he was en- 
gaged in mining and in various <jther pursuits. 
After a residence of four years in the Golden State 
he returned to his father's iiome in Ohio, and the 
year following again crossed the Mississippi, com- 
ing into Wapello County in the fall of 1867. He 
purchased 320 acres of parti}- improved land and 
made arrangements for a temporary location. In 
the winter of 180K he went back to Ohio for the 
purpose of securing a partner to share his contem- 
plated new home in the \Vest. The lad}' of his 
choice was Miss Nanc}' Dudgeon, a daughter of 
William and Anna M. (Brentlinger) Dudgeon, the 
father of Irish and the mother of German descent, 
but both American born. William Dudgeon was 
born Feb. 23, 1823, and at the time of the marriage 
of our subject was a resident of Auglaize County, 
Ohio. The mother was born April 15, 1825, and 
died July 11, 1860; her remains are buried in the 
latter-named county. 

Mr. and Mrs. William Dudgeon became the par- 
ents of eight children, three sons and five daughters, 
all living but Mary Jane, who died Jan. 28, 1886; 



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342 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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she was hovn .Tune (i, 1 847, and wa,s the wife of 
William (iiillett. a farmer in Keokuk Count3\ Iowa. 
Xancy, born Keb. is. 1H4!I, is the wife of unr sub- 
ject; Andrew, born June -■!, I s,')(), resides on the old 
homestead in Aunlaize County. Ohio; Lucinda, 
born Nov. 27. IS.', 1. is a resident of Cowley County, 
Kan.; Elizabeth, boiii Nov. 12, 18.t?>, is in Auglaize 
County. Ohio; Rachel, born Jan. 6, IH.'to, resides 
in Cowley County, Kan.; .bilui, born Nov. 8, 18.",7, 
is also a resident of that count}'; Samuel, liorn 
Dee. 9, 18.59, is in Auglaize County, Ohio, 

IIk' marriage of Mr. aud Mrs. I'lrey has been 
blest by the birth of the following children: Rose 
Ann, born June 1(5, 1S70; Sarah M,, June 7, 1872; 
W illinni F.. Aug. 2G, 1873; Edward L., Jan. l.i, 
187.',; Priscilla J., March 22. 1876. Mr. and Mrs. 
r. are highl}- respected in their communit}' and are 
members in good standing of the Regular Baptist 
Church. They have a comfortable home surrounded 
li\' all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of 
life. 

In his stock-raising operations Mr. L'lrey is giv- 
ing considcralile attention to the Ijreeding of Short- 
horn cattle, and exhibits some very tine animals, 
lie has been straightforward in his business trans- 
actions and is considered one of the leading farm- 
ers of Competine Township. 

The second wife of David Ulrey, father of the 
subject of our sketch, was the widow of Mr. Dur- 
bin. Iiy whom she became the mother of one child, 
a son, Ambrose, born Nov. 29, 1826, and now a 
resident of Wapello County. Margaret Ulrej- was 
Ijorn .lune 2.j, 1799. 




C«l )*; II. (ilLTNKK, a well- 

\/jJ// stock-raiser, residing on 

\^s!l tine Township, is the sc 



well-to-do farmer and 
on section 4, Compe- 
son of A. (Jiltner, a 
native of New York, and who removed from that 
State to Indiana in 1810. The int)ther uf our siib- 
33j«'t't was .Sarah (Ilendrickson) Giltner, born in New- 
Jersey. She married Mr. (Jiltner in 1830. near 
Brookville, Ind, and their union was blest by the 
birth of ten children, six sons and four daughters. 
The father of our subject nn)ved to this county in 
J318;j6, aud here eng.aged in agricultural pursuits. 



W. H. accompanied his parents when they came to 
this county and has made this his home until the 
present time. 

The early years of the life of our subject were 
spent on his father's farm and in acquiring a com- 
mon-school education. In 1858 he was married to 
Harriet, daughter of John H, and Frances (Rosscr) 
Turner. Her father was born in Maryland and her 
mother in \'irginia, and both are now deceased. 
The mother was born in 1802. and died in 1866, 
aud is buried in Agency City. The father was 
l)orn in 1801, departed this life in 18,54, and is 
buried in the churchyard near Burlington, Iowa. 

Mr. and Mrs. (iiltner are the parents of four 
childieu. three daughters and one son, namely: 
Emma, liorn Nov, 21, 18.')9, is the wife of M, L. 
McLinn, and they are living in Pleasant Township, 
this county, where he is engaged in farming and 
stock-raising; Sarah T,, born Jan, is. ls62, is at 
present engaged in the occupation of a teacher; 
Laura A., l)orn Oct. 9, 1864, is living at home; 
Zarah A., born March 22, 1874, is also living with 
the old folk, Mrs, (iiltner is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, ]Mr, (Jiltner isaself- 
made man aud is indebted for his success in life to 
his own energy and perseverance. 



^- 



■^ 



K\. .M. I". (IDEN, of Ottumwa, is the pres- 
iit pastoi' of the Swedish Lutheran Church, 
and is fultilling the responsible duties of his 
^office with great credit and faithfulness. 
He was born in Ons,ala, Sweden, Nov. 13, 18,52, and 
is the son of John and Anna M.agnuson, natives of 
the same Province as their son. They emigrated to 
the United States in June, 1876, and settled in L\ul- 
ington, Mich,, where they still live. The father of 
our subject followed the sea for twenty-three years, 
during which period he sailed aroun<l the world sev- 
eral times, Tlieir son, our subject, pursued his 
clerical studies for seven years in his native coun- 
try, beginning when a boy of seventeen years old, 
taking his primary course in the parish school, and 
the academy in his native town. He was also in 
the "(iyninasium " (college) in the city of (lothen- 
burg, for a period of live years. After coming to this 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



543 



country he attended Augustana College and Theo- 
logical Seminaiy, :it Rock Island. III., for three 
years, and in 187t) was ordained .'tt Chicago, from 
which he went directly to Big Rapids, Mecosta 
Co., Mich., and spent his time alternately in tliat 
city and Mnsiiegon as pastor of the Swedish Luth- 
eran Churches, lie was thus occupied until IHMl, 
and was tlicn a|)p()iuted to take charge of a church 
at Ottumwa, where he has since remained. 

The sul)ject of our sketch was united in marriage, 
June 29, IST'.i. witli Miss Emma Carllierg, a native 
of his own country', and the daugiiter of C. J. Carl- 
berg and Jaquette (iyllenh;unmar, and they have 
-a become tlie parents of three children, viz. : Elis 
:H iNIartin Josua, Rudolph Justus Emanuel and Anna 
.;;§ Xaemi Jaquette. 

{j;| Mr. Oden has been remarkably successful in con- 

:S nection with his charge in this city. The congre- 

rS gation was organized Feb. 1 U, 1871, with f< )rty niem- 

jiS bers, and there are now about 200 adult members, 

:S making a total of 300. 

IJI': Mr. Oden is the second pastor (if this church. 

uii; The presenv building was erected in the fall of 

vl:; 1 ^iJS-l, and is ;i()x70 feet, located at loO Jefferson 

iJiE St., north. Services are held twice on Sundaj^ and 

ilE every Thursday evening. The cost of the edifice 

KlE was about $0,000, and the whole property in con- 

i;C nection with it is valued at $10,000. The society 

hig is in a flourishing condition, and the Sunday-school 

embraces ten classes, with about seventy' children. 

The congregation has also a parochial school 

three months every year, with about fifty children. 

A view of the neat and tasteful church liuilding 

and parochial residence will be found on another 

page. 




.-^^^iHOMAS W. M( DILL, a farmer and gar- 
dener, residing on section 20, Center Town- 
ship, was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 
28. 1828. He is a son of Robert and Mary (Por- 
H ; tcr) McDill, who came to this State in 1844, and 
made settlement in Henderson County, where the 
father followed the calling of a farmer. His good 
wife died there in the latter part of September, 
1886, and he is at present engaged in the sale of 
dry-goods at (Iriggsville, Pike County, and meet- 
ing with siifual success. 




Mr. McDill was married to Martha Troy in 1867. 
She was born in Bentcin Count}', 111., and by her 
union with our subject six children have been born: 
Martha E., John A., James T., Josephine, Louisa 
and Robert. Mr. McDill was a soldier in the late 
Civil War, having enlisted in the 1)1 st Illinois In- 
fantry. He was Hospital Steward, and after a service 
of nine nioutlis was discharged at Benton Barracks, 
Mo., on account of disability contracted in the 
armj'. Mr. jMcDill has been engaged in agricult- 
ural pursuits all his life and in the prosecution of 
that calling, together with the occupation of gar- 
dening, has met with far more than ordinarj' suc- 
cess. In politics he is a stanch Republican. 




•-j»<^- 



W 



Jl. WINN, successfully engaged as a photog- 
rapher of Ottumwa, is a native of York- 
shire, England, and was born on the 29th of 
January, 1838. He is the son of John and 
Ann (Smith) Winn, natives of the same country 
as their son, and who emigrated to America in the 
summer of 1848. They i)roceeded direetl}' to 
Pennsylvania and located at Brownsville, Fa3'ctte 
County. John AVinn was a carpenter and wagon- 
maker, and a skilled mechanic. The parental 
household consisted of nine children, five of whom 
ate still living: Isaac and William are residents 
of Brownsville, Pa. ; Frank lives in Liberty ville, 
.lefferson Co., Iowa; the next was J. M., our sub- 
ject; Annie W. married Joseph A. Phillips, of Des 
Moines. Iowa. The father died in Brownsville 
in 1879, the mother having preceded him to the 
home beyond in 1870. They were both connected 
with the Episcopal Church for many years, Mr. W. 
being one of the Wardens at the time of his death. 
They were held in high esteem for their excellent 
personal traits of character and the high moral 
principles which thej' not onl}' followed themselves 
but transmitted to their children in a marked de- 
gree. 

The subject of this history was ten years ok 
svhen his parents came to the United States. He 
remained with them and obtained a fair education 
in the district schools. At the age of fifteen he 
w;is apprenticed to learn the trade of a machinist. 



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544 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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at which he served for two 3'ears, aiKl one j'env af- 
terwarfl started out from the parental roof, and, 
turning his face townrd the setting sun, crossed the 
Father of Waters and came into Iowa. He set 
himself to work at whatever his iiands could find 
K[^ to do, traveling over various i)ortions of the 
'^ Ilawkeye State. In 1)S.5S he crossed the plains to 
Utah and California, and was, as before, engaged 
ZetjI in various i)ursuits. The struggle between the 
' North and South now began to assume serious pro- 
portions, and on the first call for troops, while in 
San Francisco, he enlisted in September, 18GI, in 
Co. B, 2d Cal. Vol. Cav., under Captain John C. 
Cremorny. AVith his company he spent the greater 
part of his time in Arizona and New Mexico for 
the protection of the frontier, and at the close of 
his term of enlistment was mustered out at San 
Francisco on the 12 th of October, 1864. having 
been in service three years. During his army life 
til ru ^^ ^^** often emplo^'ed as scout and despatch 
K H bearer, and made many narrow and thrilling es- 
'!^ capes. 
j[|j F'ive days after receiving his discharge Mr. Winn 
JEnal boarded a vessel at Sau Francisco and proceeded 
^C to New York City, thence to Brownsville, Pa., 
Jzz,Ilr to visit his parents, with whom he remained un- 

mm 









I 



til the February following, when he enlisted in Co. 
A, 3d Regiment, 1'. S. Xet. Vol., at Washington 
City. The regiment remained about the capitol 
until about the 10th of July, and was then sent to 
Springfield, 111. A few d;iys later the company' to 
which Mr. Winn belonged was sent to Ft. Snelling, 
Minn., where it remained on duty through the fol- 
lowing winter, and in February, 1866, those whose 
term of enlistment had expired were discharged, 
our subject being among the number. Mr. Winn 
then returned to Brownsville, Pa., and spent the 

}j 1,1 _vear following as an apprentice to his i)resent busi- 

5hh5' 116SS, photograph}'. 

In 1867 Mr. Winn once more turned toward the 
West, locating first in Libertj^ville, Iowa, from 
which he removed to Ottumwa in 1871, where he 
has since remained. Three years after coming 
Uhere, having inherited much of his father's me- 
chanical skill, he took up the duties of a civil en- 
gineer, being first employed at Ladd's pork-house 
until 1864, and then became engineer of tlie steam 



I 

h 

m 





fire-engine of Ottumwa, which position he occu- 
pied for four years, and then established his pres- 
ent l)usiness. In this latter he has kept pace with 
all the improvements of the day, and has built 
up a prosperous and lucrative Ijusiuess. lie is a 
gentleman of fine tastes, and has proved himself 
worthy to administer in an artistic manner tv the 
taste of the eultuied peoi)le of this city. 

Mr. AN'inn wns luiited in marriiige with Miss 
Aurora H. Russell on the 1st of June, 18S1. Mrs. 
Winn is a daughter of Peter Russell, a pioneer pi 
settler of Lee County, Iowa, and was born in that a| 
county in 1853. By her union with our subject 
she became tiie mother of twin daughters, Bonnie ^ 

SFtl 

and Birdie, both deceased. Politically Mr. Winn Sji 
is a (Treenliacker. and socially' both he and his wife g|} 
are held in high esteem bj' the leading citizens of 
Ottumwa. 



C^j\ HARLF2S MICK is a prosperous and snccess- 
ful farmer and stock-raiser, living on section 
f' 3, Competine Township. He was born Dec. 
13, 1840, in this State, and is the sou of John and 
Mary (White) Mick, the former a native of West 
A'irginia and the latter of Ohio. John Mick was 
the father of five children: James, a farmer of 
Highland Township: Sarah, married and living in 
Mahaska County : Charles, our subject; Peter, de- 
ceased; Mary is married and also living in Mahaska 
Count}'. These children were by his first wife, who 
was bui'ied in ^'irginia. The second wife of John 
Mick was Elizabeth (Thompson) Mick. They came 
to this count}' in 1856, and took up their residence 
in Highland Township, where he engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits. 

Charles ]Mick accompanied his parents to the 
county in 1856, and remained on the old homeste:id 
until 1862, engaged the while in farm labor. He 
then enlisted in Co. D, 19th Iowa Vol. Inf., and 
was mustered into the service at Keokuk. He en- 
listed fi>r three years, or during the war, and on the 
4th of September, that year, his regiment left Keo- 
kuk for St. Louis. They then went to Benton Bar- 
racks, thence to RoUa, Mo., then participating in 
the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., and going to 
Wan Burcii, th:it State, drove the rebels out of tlie 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



town and burned five steamboats, loaded with pro- 
visions. Tlie regiment then returned to Vicksburg 
and from there was ordered to New Orleans, where 
our subject was taken sick, and in November, 1863, 
he received a furlough and went home. He re- 
mained at home until the following May, when he 
returned to his regiment and participated in all the 
battles in which it was engaged. Our subject re- 
ceived his discharge at Davenport, Iowa, and re- 
turning liouie again eng.iged in the peaceful pur- 
suits of life. 

Mr. Mick was united in marriage with Julia A. 
ISIowery, daughter of Joseph Mowery. This union 
has been blest by the birth of seven children, two 
sons and live daughters. The record is as follows: 
Minnie, born Nov. 12, 1867; Annie, Sept. 17, 1869; 
Joseph B., Sept. 20, 1872, deceased; Mary A., Oct. 
5, 1873; Nellie M., July 13, 187,5; Charles F.,Sept. 
1, 1877; Ida, Dec. 28, 1880. Mrs. Mick departed 
this life June 2, 1881. She was a true and consistent 
Christian lady and held fellowship with the Chris- 
tian Church. Socially Mr. Mick is a member of 
the G. A. R. and belongs to Post No. 402. 



»~v^.-/^tJ^££,?t5^g«•^^B■>^@*-gJ/^w^r»v'w~- 

UEL NIMOCKS is a farmer and stock- 
grower, residing on section 10, Washington 
(li W Township. He was born in Lewis County, 
^N. Y.,Aug. 19, 1817, and is a son of Roland 
and Zermah (Bosworth) Nimocks. His parents 
moved from New York to Michigan, where his 
father died in 1864, and his mother the year follow- 
ing. In 1835, when but eighteen years of age, 
Ruel moved from New York to Kane County, 111., 
where he lived three years, and in 1 838 went to 
Adams County, in the same State, and in 1840 
there married Amy Thomas, born in Switzerland 
County, Ind., Dec. l.i, 1821, the daughter of 
George and Elizabeth (Jackson) Thomas. Her 
mother died in Morgan County, 111., and her father 
again married, and in 18.50 moved to AVayne 
County, Iowa, where he died in 1861. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nimocks are the parents of nine 
children: Lucretia married Milton Crail, and is 
now deceased; Flint is now in Kansas; (ieorge \V. 




married Elvira Newell, and is now living in (ireat 
Bend, Barton Co., Kan. ; Clara married A. W. Rob- 
erts, and is now living in Marysville, Mo.; Mary is 
the wife of Henry Haydock, and is living in Ness 
City, Kan. ; Sophia married 1). T. P'oster, and is 
now living in this townshii); William A. married 
]\Iartha Robinson, and is now living in Nickerson, 
Kan. ; Ruel L. married Maria Actou, and is now 
living in Kansas; Lucy is the wife of Harrison 
Creamer, and lives in Washington Township; Frank 
A. is living at home with his parents. 

Mr. Nimocks has a fine farm of 300 acres, with 
good dwelling-house, barn, and all other necessary 
improvements. He and his wife have been members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1838, and 
in politics he is a Republican. 

\fj J. PADDEN, of Ottumwa, occupies the 
responsible position of assistant foreman of 
bridge Iniilding along the route of the C 
B. & (I. R. R., and is accredited with being 
a skillful mechanic and having a thorough knowl- 
edge of the duties devolving upon him. Mr. Pad- 
den is a native of Ogden, N. Y., the date of his 
birth being Aug. 15, 1846. He is the son of Pat- 
rick .and Bridget (Millet) Padden, of Irish birth 
and parentage, and i>ossessiug the warm and gen- 
erous character of the Celtic race. AVhile the sub- 
ject of our sketch was a mere bo3' his parents re- 
moved to Chicago, 111., where he was educated in 
the city schools. I'atrick Padden was a carpenter 
by trade, and his son liecame his apjjrentice. At 
an e.arly age he exhibited natural talent as a me- 
chanic, and under the excellent instruction of his 
father soon developed into a first-class workman. 
While in Chicago he was employed by the Ameri- 
can Bridge Company for seven years. He after- 
ward went South and engaged in the construction 
of bridges on the railroads of that section, having 
charge of a gang of men. He subsequently re- 
turned to the (jarden City, and in 1882 crossed the 
Father of \\'aters and proceeded northwest t<i l^a- 
kota, with the idea of changing his occupation. 
He located 160 acres of laud in Biirues County, 
where he remained for the space of two years, and 



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546 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 






in 1884 returned southeast and i-anie into Ottuniwa. 
Being inclined to his old occupation, he afterward 
entered the employ of the C, B. <fe t^. R. R., and 
soon afterward was i)romoted to his present position. 
Mr. Padden was married on the 3d of July. 
I.s7(j, to Miss .Josephine Hill, of Chicago, 111., and 
thej' have become the parents of two sons — Edwin 
A. and Harry I. They have a pleasant home at 
1,(>0G Pluni street, and are surrounded by all the 
comforts of life. Mr. P. is highly respectc<l in 
this community and a member in good standing of 
the Select Knights of A. O. V . \V. 



C<^ 




f LEXANDER MARTIX, of Adams Town- 
ship, is a native of the llawkeye State, and 
I i was born in \'an Bureii County, Marcli i), 
[Q^' l.sy.i. His parents were James and Re- 

becca Martin, who were born in Pickaw.ay County-, 
Ohio, and there reared and married. They after- 
ward came to ^'an Ikiren County, Iowa, and set- 
tled near Keosauqua, where James Martin made a 
claim which he occupied with his famil}' until l.s4;i. 
Tiiey then removed to Davis County, where he took 
u}) .another tract of (iovernment land, opened up a 
farm, establislied a permanent home, and spent the 
remainder of his days, djing of cholera in 18.")2. 
He was a man of considerable force of character, 
and w.as an old-line Whig up to the time of his 
death. The parental household consisted of eight 
children, who lived to maturity: Harriet liecame 
the wife of Madison Mclntyre, of Monroe County, 
Iowa; Rachel married -Jacob Zegler, of Davis 
County; James is a resident of Monroe County ; 
Mar}-, Mrs. Enoch Demeris. lives in Oregon; Re- 
becca married James Gordon, of Oregon, and they 
are both deceased; .John is a resident of Washing- 
ton Territory-; Alexander is at home, and Samuel 
is in Oregon. Mrs. Martin, the mother of these 
children, died in 1S84, at the advanced age of sev- 
enty-nine years. She and her husband were mem- 
Iters of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The subject of our sketch removed with his par- 
ents fiom \'an Buren to Davis County, and from 
lliire lo Wapello Count}'. He received a common- 
school education, and after arriving at years of 



manhood was married in this county on the 2 1st of 
March, 1861, to Miss Maria Bachnian, the dauglitcr 
of Fred L. and Susan (.Spangler) Baehmau. who 
were among the early settlers of \Va|)ello County. 
Mrs. Martin, the wife of our subject, was born in 
Muskingum County, Ohio, March 12, 1841. Of 
this union there were born nine children, as follows: 
Mary, born July 2, 1863, was married Dec. 18, 
1883, to Thomas A. (ireen, M. D., a graduate of 
Des Moines Medical College, who is now traveling 
for a drug-house at Kan.sas City; Charles \V., born 
April 11, I.SGG, lives in this county: Frederick L., 
born Jan. 18, ISGS, and Alex W., April Id. IsTT, 
are at home; Alexander, born April 13, isi;."), died 
in infanc}'; Elnora A., born Jan. 2(J, ISTO, died 
Aug. 7, 1871 ; Rebecca F., born Jul}' 24. 1873, 
died .June 8, 1876; Henry C, born March 11, 
1875, died June 15, 1876; John R., born Dec. S, 
1879, died July 28, 1H81. 

In 1864 Mr. and Mrs. Martin crossed the plains 
to Idaho and Oregon and located in Pioneer City, 
where he engaged in the dairy business, but only re- 
mained one year. In 1865 he came to this town- 
ship, opened up a farm, erected a log cabin, and 
commenced the establishment of a permanent 
home. In 1886 he built his present fine residence, 
at a cost of $1,000, and has one of the most at- 
tractive homes in this part of the county. His pos- 
sessions have been accumulated by the industry of 
his own hands, and he presents the happy si)ectacle 
of a representative citizen and a straightforward 
business man, who is fulfilling all his obligations in 
a creditable and praiseworthy manner. 

Mr. M. is Township Trustee, and is connected 
with the business and general welfare of the town- 
ship and county. His father, James iM.artin, was 
often requested to allow his name to be used as a 
candidate, but always refused, having no aml)iti<jn 
in that direction, but made himself useful by doing 
the writino; for the early settlers. 



C^p^IIOMA.S J. HALL has been a resident of Ot- 
i/>;^ tumwa since the spring of 1866, is success- 
^N^^ fully eng.aged as a builder and contractor, 
and also interested in the Ottumw:i Screen Factory. 
He tirst opened his eyes to the light on the rugged 



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AVAPELLO COUNTY. 



.')47 



13 



coast of New F^ngland, being a native of Maine 
and horn in Machias. on the .'id of October, 
1S39. He is the son of Thomas and Mary (Kin- 
ney) Hall, and his father was a native of Suf- 
folkshire, England, descended from excellent En- 
glish aneestrj-. The latter was a soldier in the 
army of his native conntrj' at the time of the bat- 
tle of Waterloo, but being under age his father 
bought him off, and he subsequeutlj- became a 
member of the (Queen's Guard. He afterward en- 
listed in the regular services of the English army, 
serving eleven years and nine months in Ireland 
and Scotland. In 1S22, becoming heartily tired of 
military life he deserted the ranks, and boarding a 
vessel bound for the United States, arrived here 
after a narrow escape from being captured, taken 
back and shot. He located in Maine, where he was 
subsequently married to the mother of our subject, 
and they became the parents of four children — Re- 
becca, Thomas .1., James and Lydia. In 1847 the 
family removed to Hempstead, L. I., where an- 
other child was born, a son. William. The follow- 
ing year they removed to Sing Sing, where they re- 
mained until IS.tT, and where, in the meantime, 
another son, Charlie, was added to the little house- 
hold. Thence thej' removed to Toledo, Ohio, 
which remained their home until the death of the 
father in 1872. 

Thomas Hall was a man of decided views and 
opinions, warm-hearted and generous in his dispo- 
sition, and was an active sympathizer in the cause 
of right and justice. At the breaking out of the 
trouble between the North and South he proffered 
his services as a soldier of the Union, but was re- 
jected on account of his age. His son, our subject, 
however, was accepted and enlisted on the 22d of 
August, 1SG2, hi Co. H, 111th Ohio Vol. Inf., at the 
call for 600,000 troops. His regiment proceeded 
to Bowling Green, Ky., and with twent3'-three 
others ThoTnas ,). Hall was detailed in a pioneer 
corps. He afterward participated in the battle of 
Stone River, upon which occasion his closest 
friend and comrade, Horace Cooper, fell at his 
post. In the winter of 1863 they camped at Lou- 
don, Tenn. Our subject was present at the siege of 
Knoxville, and at a large number of subsequent 
battles and skirmislies. At the liattle of Rocky 



Face he laid down his knapsack with the expecta- 
tion of never taking it up again. He, however, 
escaped serious disaster, and was enabled to remain 
in the service with his comrades until the close of 
the war, and was mustered out at Cleveland, Ohio. 
Jnh' 14, 186,T. During his term of enlistment he 
was in the following liattles: Stone River, Huff's 
Ferry, Campbell Station, siege of Knoxville, Ft. 
Sanders. Strawberrj' Plains. Rocky Face, Resaca, 
Pumpkin- \'ine Creek, Burnt Hickorj', Lost Mount- 
ain. Nicken Jack Creek, Kennesaw Mountain, De- 
catur, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Stone 
Mountain, Franklin, Nashville, Ft. Anderson and 
Town Creek. 

Thomas J. Hall was married in Toledo, Ohio, in 
185!), to Miss Mary A. Blair, of Michigan. She 
then became a resident of Toledo while her husband 
was in the army, and after his return thej' crossed 
the Mississippi and located in Ottumwa, which has 
remained their home since that time, highly re- 
spected by a large circle of friends and acquaint- 
ances. Of their union there was born one child, 
which died in infancJ^ 

Mr. Hall is a Greenbacker in politics, and so- 
cially belongs to Cloutman Post No. 69, G. A. R., 
of Ottumwa, and represented his lodge (I. 0. O. F.) 
in the sessions of the Grand Lodge at Ottumwa 
and Council Bluffs, in 1864-(i.5. 

EY. J. T. SIMMONS, of Center Township, 
was born in New Castle County, Del., Jan. 
11, 1829. His father died six months be- 
&iS^ fore he was born, and his widowed mother 
afterward resided with his grandfather. At the 
age of seven ^-ears he moved with his grandfather, 
Hiram Tallej% to Morgan County, Ohio. They lo- 
cated on a farm near McConnelsville, and in this 
home young Simmons spent his early years, attend- 
ing such schools as the country afforded, and by close 
application to study acquired a good education. 
When eighteen j^ears of age he engaged in the 
manufacture and sale of agricultural implements. 
He was married, in his twenty-second year, to Miss 
Martha Arganbright, of Jackson County, Ohio, and 
four years later moved to Iowa, in 1855. Of this 





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548 



uaa 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 




marriage there were born four sons anri two daugh- 
ters: Lyrlia J. married K. (1. Cliaijmau; Frani< 
W. and George B. are engaged in the hardware 
business: Kittie L., John W. and Kd. S. are at home. 

In 185-4 Mr. Simmons was licensed as a local 
preacher of the Metiiodist Episcopal Church, and 
the year following joined the Iowa Annual Con- 
ference, and entered upon what has been thirty 
years of active ministerial life. What was lack- 
ing in seholaily attainments he tried to make up 
in close study and iuird work. He lias filled some 
of the leading appointments in the Iowa Con- 
ference, representing the Conference as a delegate 
to the (Jeneral Conference, which convened at 
Brooklyn, N. Y.,in 1872, and lias served two terras 
of four years each as Presiding Elder. He was one 
of the original committees who organized Clear 
Lake and Bluff Park Assembly grounds. He has 
been for j'ears a Trustee of the Iowa Wesleyan 
University' and for two years its Financial Agent. 
In August, 1862, lie was commissioned Chaplain 
of the 28tli lovva Infantry, in which he served 
faithfully' until the close of the war. This was 
one of the Iowa regiments which saw the hard- 
est field service, and was with Grant in the long- 
Mississippi campaign until the fall of Vieksbuig; 
then with (ien. Banks in the Red River expedi- 
tion; again with (J rant and Sheridan in the Shen- 
andoah campaign, and finally transferred to Sher- 
man in Georgia, where it closed its eventful service. 

Mr. Simmons was with his regiment in every 
battle it fought, being in some of the hardest bat- 
tles of the war. His activity in the army gave him 
more than an ordinary' record. He was detailed 
on the staff of Gen. Prentiss in the winter of 1803, 
and put in charge of the contraband camps at 
Helena, Ark, which he superintended under great 
difficulties with the scanty means. He relieved 
the suffering of thousands of refugees, who, escap- 
ng from bond.ige, sought refuge in the Union 
lines, sending hundreds of them North to find 
employment out of the reach of slavery. When 
the Government armed the negro, he had the 
pleasure of recruiting the first company at Helena, 
Ark., mustering them under a huge tree on which 
the slave power hung a .Methodist preacher in 1858. 

Mr. Simmons interested himself in the law con- 



cerning the Chaplains as officers, since they re- 
ceived no pensions. He wrote to Mr. Grinnell and 
Mr. Harlan and other members of Congress, and 
kept up a persistent effort until the cross legislation 
of Congress was secured and the rank of Chaplain 
created, by which the Chaplains were paid and re- 
ceived pensions as other officers, and while he has 
never received a dollar as personal benefit he re- 
joices that many worthy men have. He was de- 
tailed by the General commanding the 2d Division 
of tlie I.">th Army Corps at Champion Hills battle- 
field, to register the wounded and form descriptive 
rolls; and when the Colonel of a Confederate Ken- 
tucky regiment captured the camp and demanded 
the rolls, Mr. Simmons buried them under a brush 
heap and saved 1,800 soldiers from being parolled. 
The Colonel swore and threatened, but the Chap- 
lain was firm and he did not obtain them. 

Arduous duties and hard work during the siege 
of Mcksburg brought our subject down with ty- 
phoid fever, which necessitated a leave of absence 
of six weeks, after which time he rejoined his regi- 
ment and aecomi)anied it in all its marches and 
battles. Active in caring for the wants of his regi- 
ment, he was often brought in contact with the 
oHieers of the army, by whotn he was always 
treated with much courtesy. On the 3d of July, 
during the siege of Vicksburg, he was in Gen. 
(irant's tent soliciting assistiuice for one of his regi- 
ment, when the first message from Gen. Pemberton 
was received proposing to surrender the citj' and 
20,000 prisoners of war. Gen. (Grant's face vvas 
firm; not a muscle twitched, and in characteristic 
simplicity he said to Gen. Rawlins, " If he wishes 
to surrender, he knows our terms." It was a good 
time to secure a favor, and the Chaplain succeeded 
in getting the man a leave of absence. But Gen. 
Grant was always kind. Once on personal applica- 
tion for leave the General directed that it be given, 
and walked out, bvit soon returned and said, " Give 
the Chaplain transportation." 

The Red River campaign was the most severe 
service in which the regiment of Mr. Simmons was 
engaged. In the spring of 1864 the regiment left 
New Orleans, nearly 800 strong, and in fine condi- 
tion; but hard service and two severe battles in 
that campaign left its strength less than 400 on its 



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return to Alexandria. Being transferred to the 
army of the Potomac, it was put in the 19th Army 
Corps under Sheridan, and in the Shenandoah cam- 
paign helped to destroy Lee's army under Early ; 
fought the battles of Winchester and Cedar Creek, 
and witnessed the famous ride of Sheridan. 

With the consciousness of a life well spent Mr. 
Simmons is cheerfully living and hoiking to meet 
the future in the same confidence in God by which 
he has met each day of the past. One year ago he 
settled on a small farm two miles west of Ottumwa, 
and is yet active and at present engaged in min- 
isterial labor. 

^^AMALIEL C. BEAMAN, deceased, for- 
i ,^ merly a resident ot Massachusetts, was a na- 
^^^il) tive of Winchendon, Mass., and was born 
on the 'iOth of March, 1799. His rudimentary ed- 
ucation was carefully conducted, and after the 
completion of his primary studies he entered Union 
College at Schenectady, N. Y., from which he grad- 
uated, and after taking a course in Andover Theo- 
logical Seminary, in Massachusetts, entered the 
Presbyterian niiuistry. After a service of several 
years in New England, Mr. Beaman journeyed 
southwestward to Ohio, settling in Piketon, Pike 
County, in 1831, where he organized the i>iuneer 
church of that region. 

Mr. Beaman was a man of kindly and generous 
impulses, with a rigid belief in the rights of human 
freedom. He was bitterly opposed to slavery and 
was one of the leaders of the anti-slavery move- 
ment in Ohio. In April, 1835, he assisted in or- 
ganizing the Ohio State Anti-Slavery Society at 
Putnam which helped many a fugitive to freedom. 

Rev. Gamaliel C. Beaman was united in marriage 
with Miss Emelia Crichton, in 1836. This lady was 
a native of Scotland and a descendant of the same 
family as Admiral Crichton. Mr. and Mrs. B. two 
years later removed to Burlington, Lawrence Coun- 
ty, where he preached the Gospel and taught in the 
High School. In 1842 he opened an academy at 
Burlington, and continued in charge until 1846, 
when he removed to Iowa and settled in Montrose, 
Lee County, where he organized a church, holding 
services in the Government Barracks, there being 



no church building. He also preached half the 
time in Nauvoo, just across the Mississippi River, 
which w\as then the seat of Mormonism. The Mor- 
mon AVar occurred that year, resulting in the capit- 
ulation of the Latter-Day Saints on the 17th of 
September, 1846, after which many of them re- 
moved to Salt Lake City. 

Montrose being at the head of the great rapids 
on the Mississippi, had become the resort of thieves, 
gamblers and roughs of every description, and was 
justly reputed to be the must wicked place on the 
river. Here Mv. Beaman opened a school, which 
was attended by many of the characters referred 
to, partly from a desire to learn and partly to break 
up the project. Personal conflicts between them 
and the teacher were not infrequent, but by strategy 
and firmness, combined with muscle, the result was 
invariablj- favorable to good order and discipline. 
The mob element finally became divided, a part 
abandoning the school and others submitting to 
its government, so that it was carried on quite suc- 
cessfully for several years, and finally surrendered 
to other hands. In IS is the majority of the Mor- 
mons had left the country, and on the 9th of Sep- 
tember of that year their magnificent Temjjle at 
Nauvoo was destroyed bj' fire, presumablj' b3' 
themselves to prevent its use by the Gentiles, who 
had been reaping a rich harvest by exhibiting to 
visitors its inner splendors. After five years of 
discipline the morals of the town of Montrose be- 
came quite respectable. 

In 1852 Mr. Beaman removed to Crotou, on the 
Des Moines River, where he had previously organ- 
ized a church. A few miles above, at Salubria, was 
the house of Abner Kueeland, who had a few years 
before been imprisoned in Boston for blasphemy, 
and the leader of a sect known as Pautheists. His 
followers were infidels of the most pronounced 
character, and their doctrines had infected a wide 
region. For the next twenty-one years Mr. Bea- 
man preached in that region and the conflict of 
doctrine was constant and fierce ; but in the end the 
Pantheistic leaders died, and the last vestige of 
their doctrines have disappeared, until but few peo- 
ple in the community now remember what they 
were. 

In 1873 Mr. B., in response to an urgent call 




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nErnxuiirni-xixjixxirxtnr r.Jitit\;% 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



from his old church, removed back to Montrose, 
leaving the churches on the Des :Moines River in 
charge of other ministers, who had then become 
quite numerous. Three years later his physical fi-ame 
gave way, and he removed to the residence of his 
son at Keosauqua in Van Buren County, where he 
remained until the final summons came, on the 2Gth 
of October, 1870. He was in his seventy-seventh 
year, having spent forty-four years in the ministry. 
Since the commencement of his ministerial labors 
Mr. Beaman had delivered 3,542 sermons, 474 lec- 
tures on slavery and temperance, and had organized 
seven churches, twenty-seven Sabbath-schools, four 
anti-slavery societies, twenty-eight temperance so- 
cieties, and obtained 2,700 names to anti-slavery 
and temperance pledges. He also received into 
the church 317 persons, baptized 298, married 227 
couples, preached 299 funeral sermons, examined 
and licensed seventy -five school-teachers, dis- 
tributed 337 Bibles, and 7,000 tracts. 

The funeral sermon of this lamented citizen and 
Christian minister was preached at Keosauqua bj' 
his friend, Rev. Dr. W. G. Craig, of Chicago, 111. 
In the eoiMse of his remarks Dr. Craig, in review- 
ing tlie life of the deceased, said that he was indeed 
one of the soldiers of the Cross, and had stood 
during his entire ministerial life on the "high places 
of the field " and in the forefront of the battle. 

The good which one such life has accomplished 
can scarcely be estimated within the limits of a 
comparativel}' brief biography. The influence of 
liis Christian cliaracter was one that has spread far 
beyond his own day and time, and its effects will 
extend far beyond the present generation in the lives 
of those who, as children of those who came under 
the sphere of his influence, are made better, happier 
."tnd more useful, even unto the third generation. 

ON. DANIEL A. LaFORCE, M. D., a phy- 
sician and surgeon of considerable promin- 
ence, residing at Otturawa, was born in 
&f\ .Toft'er.sim Countv, Ind., May 17, 1837. The 
father of our subject, Daniel G. LaForce, was a na- 
tive of Woodford County, Ky., where he grew to 
manhood. lie was mar)ied to .Miss Mtnuaret .Mon- 





roe in Jefferson Coiuity, Ind. He was a farmer by 
occnpatitin and at different times iu life was en- 
gaged in mercantile piu-suits. He removed from aj: 
Kentucky to Jefferson Count}', Ind., where he con-|j; 
tinned to reside until 1842, and during that year E^ 
came to this State and first made settlement in Van gj; 
Buren County. Subsequently he removed to this :' 
count}', and locating in Washington Township there 5 |i! 
followed his chosen vocation, farming, until his : 
demise, which took place Aug. 2, 1863. His good : 
wife survives him and is at present residing at 
Agency. 

Daniel LaForce came to Iowa with his parents : 
in 1842, when about five years of age. Here he 
attended the common- schools and supplemented 
the education received therein by an attendance of 
several terms at the JIt. Pleasant (Iowa) Western 
University. It was during the year 1858 that our 
subject came to the conclusion that he would studj' 
medicine, and made a beginning in the ollice of a 
local physician. Subsequently he entered the Col- 
lege of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, and 
graduated tlierefrom in 1862. Immediately after 
receiving his diploma he was commissioned Surgeon 
of the 56th U. S. Colored Troops, and after nine 
months' service was placed in charge of a U. S. 
general hospital at Helena, Ark. ; he was also ap- 
pointed Medical Director for the district of Eastern 
Arkansas. During this time he also served on the 
staff' of Gen. E. A. Carr about twelve months. 
Dr. LaForce continued in the service until Sept. 
15, 1860, when his regiment was mustered out. 

Returning from the field of conflict Dr. LaForce 
located at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and there entered 
upon the practice of his profession and continued 
the same witii success until 1869. He then removed 
to Burlington, and after a residence there of two 
years, engaged in practice, he took up his abode iu 
Agency City, where he enjoyed an extensive prac- 
tice for fourteen 3'ears. He then removed to Ot- 
tumwa, which he has continued to make his home, 
and has devoted himself closely to his profession. 
He is a member of the Wapello County Medical 
Society, the Iowa State JMedical Society, and the i^ 
American JMedical Association. I 

Politically Dr. LaForce is Republican, and repre- 
sented his eouiitv in the Twentv-lirst (ieni'ralAs- 

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Academy of the Visitation, Ottumwa. Iowa. 




St.Patricks Church.-South Ottumwa. Rev, FrancisT.Ward, Pastor 



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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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sembly of Iowa. ^.Tn 1884, when first coming to 
Ottumwa, he piiicha.sed tlie Castor House, and 
ehang-ing- the .name to the LaForce House, lias con- 
tinued its proprietor until the present time. It is 
a four-story brick structure and contains KM) rooms. 
Dr. Lalforce was married, Oct. 18, 1860, at JMt. 
Pleasant, Iowa, to Miss Maliala .1. Dudley, the 
daughtei; of Rev. Edward and Eliza (Dudley) 
Dudley, natives of Athens, Ohio. Rev. Edward 
Dudley was a man of prominence and a leading 
d,ivine in the Free- Will Baptist Church. He moved 
with his family to Agency Citj", Iowa, and was 
among the pioneers of the Hawkej'e "State. His 
good wife departed this life Sept. 20, 1884; he is 
yet living and resides in Agency City. Mrs. La- 
F(.>rce was born in Ohio, and by her marriage with 
our subject has become the..jnother of four chil- 
dren, namel.y: William B., Burdett 1)., Edward F. 
and Charles R. Sociallj' Dr. LaForce is a member 
of the Masonic fraternity, the I. 0. O. F. and 
the Knights of Pythias. Religiousl3' he is con- 
nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

^TP^EV. FRANCIS T. WARD. The history of 
jlyir^ St. Patriclr's Church at Ottumwa, and the 
ciiyA • personal history of Father Ward are so 
^p) interwoven that we give both a l)rief men- 
tion in this sketch. St. Mary's Parish, of Ottumwa, 
with a small beginning and few members, in- 
creased Irke the Scriptural mustard seed, under the 
fostering care and zealous attention of Rev. John 
Kreckel, who may truly be called its lirst Pastor, 
and not' only Wapello County and its principal 
town, but the six or seven adjoining counties, with 
a thinly scattered Catholic element, were dependent 
on his s^piritual ministrations, and received their 
share of his watchful care. 

In. 1880, Rt. Rev. John Hennessey, Bishop of 
Dubuque, and then the whole State of Iowa, judged 
it expedient from the growth of the parish to es- 
tablish a new parish from the settlements south of 
the Des Moines River. Rev. Francis T. Ward- was 
.appointed as its first Pastor. He was born in 
County Langford, Ireland, and (tursued his pre- 
paratory and ■ classical studies in St. Bernard's 



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School, and in the Germajn and French colleges at 
Black Rock, Dublin. In 1873 he entered St. Pat- 
rick's Eccelesiastical College, of Carlow, Ireland, 
where he spent six 3fears, one- year in the rhetoric 
class, with two years of philosophy and three of 
theology. .lune 9, 187'.>, he was ordained Priest for 
the diocese of Dubuque, Iowa. After spending a 
few months with friends, he sailed on the 25th of 
October following on the Cunard steamer, '• Both- 
nia," from (^ueesustown, landing in the city of New 
York on the 4th of November. 

In 1881 Father Ward secured lots from W. B. 
Smith, M. D., of Ann Arbor, Mich., and in the fol- 
lowing year a brick church was erected, in South 
Ottumwa, 40x80 feet in dimensions, with a stone 
basement and trimmings, slate roof and stained 
glass windows, at a cost of between $9,000 and 
110,000. In 1884, the congregation having no 
parochial house, and encouraged by the people of 
Ottumwa, who lent not only moral but substantial 
aid in the erection of their church, came a second 
time and contributed to the erection of a parochial 
resid«nce that would do no discredit to any parish 
in Iowa. It is trimmed with white Milwaukee 
stone, is built of brick, with a slate roof, and cost 
$3,500. The mission proper has, on a rough cal- 
culation, 100 families attached to it, and the sta- 
tion thirty or forty more families, in all perhaps 
140. A view of both church and residence is given 
in this connection. ^ 



HECKART, who is a highly esteemed resi- 
dent of Green Township, was born in 
Dauphin County, Pa., Nov. 17, 1832, being 
the son of Jost and Mary (Schneider) lleckart. 
He left Pennsylvania with his parents when a boy ife'f^U 
of eight years old,' and went to Ralls County, Mo., 
where he lived until the fall of 18G2, and thence 
went to Hancock County, 111. This was during the 
progress of the late war, and he enlisted as a 
Union soldier in Co. K, ll'.lth 111. \'ol. Inf., and 
served two years and ten months. He participated 
ill numerous skirmishes and one general engage- 
ment ill Mississippi. He was subjected, however, 
to much hardship and exposure, which greath' im- 



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552 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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paired his health, aiul in IMarch, 18(55, he received 
hir; honorable discliarge on account of disability'. 

lie was confined in the hospital at St. Louis dur- 
ing the latter part of his army life, but able to of- 
ficiate as nurse. His observations convinced hira 
that the inmates of the hospital did not receive 
proper attention, and he addressed a letter to 
Gov. Yates to that effect, requesting the Governor 
to come and see for himself. This he did, being 
disguised, and our subject was removed to better 
quarters in a few da^'s. 

After the war Mr. Heckart returned to Illinois, 
and thence to Ralls County, Mo., where he engaged 
three years in farming, and then, in the fall of 1868, 
came into this county and settled in Green Town- 
ship, where he has since lived. 

Mr. Heckart was first married in 1851 to Miss 
Lydia M. Brown, a native of Mrginia, and of this 
union there were born four children: Elias V., 
who is a plasterer by trade and now living in St. 
Louis; William Henry, a farmer of Montgomery 
County, Mo. ; Perry Eugene and James C, the lat- 
ter a resident of New London, Mo., and engaged 
in railroading. The second wife of our subject, to 
whom he was married in 1878, was a widow lady 
and formerly Miss Rosa E. DeValt, a native of 
Kentucky. ISIrs. IL by her first marriage became 
the mother of six children, of whom one is de- 
ceased, and five are living with our subject and his 
wife. 

Mr. Heckart is the owner of eighty acres of good 
land with a comfortable dwelling and all necessary 
out-buildings. He is Reiniblican in politics and 
keeps himself well posted upon all matters of general 
interest. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and Mrs. IL is connected with the Method- 
ist Episcopal Cluneh. 

ED. SOMERS lives in the city of Ottumwa, 
and is book-keei)er and manager of the agri- 
cultural warehouse of John Fullen. He was 
born in Hancock County, 111., March 25, 1855, and 
is a son of Albertus and Caroline Somers, the 
former a native of Germanj' and the latter of Ver- 
^^^r3 mont. In 1851) the family moved fioni Hancock 



iDJii 




Count)', 111., to Davis County. Iowa, where they re- 
mained two years, and then moved back to Han- 
cock Count)'. In 1867 they again returned to Da- 
vis Count)', Iowa, remaining there one year, and 
then moved to Jones County, Iowa, where the)' re- 
mained ten 3'ears. The father and mother reside 
in Ottumwa, Iowa. 

The subject of this sketch is one of a family of 
six children, and is second in order of bii-th. The 
others are Ella E.. who was married to J. N. Ellis, 
but is now deceased ; Charles G., now living in 
Anamosa, this State: Susan B. is the wife of 
Charles E. Fliesbach, and has one child; they live 
in Sigourney, Iowa; America A. is the wife of W. 
R. Klzer, and lives in Ottumwa ; James A. is mar- 
ried, and also resides in Ottumwa. 

E. D. Somers was married, April 26, 1877, to 
Hester A. Jenkins. The father of Mrs. Somers is 
deceased ; her mother, Hannah Jenkins, survives, 
and makes her home in Hancock County, 111. Mr. 
Somers is a man of good executive and business 
abilities. 



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"^ F. LEWIS, an honored pioneer of Wapello 
County, came to Iowa in March, 1839, 
seven years before it was admitted into the 
Union as a State. This section of country 
was then a wilderness where the feet of white men 
had seldom trod. Wild animals were abundant 
and wild ludiaus were the only human beings scat- 
tered over the country, with an occasional white 
man. The remarkable changes which JMr. Lewis 
has witnessed since first crossing the Father of 
Waters would form an interesting volume. He 
has observed the developement of this State and 
the march of civilization with pleasure and satis- 
faction, and has materially aided in bringing about 
its present condition of prosperity, for he was one 
of those enterprising and industrious characters, 
without which very little could have been accom- 
plished. The present wealth and population of 
the Hawkeye State is due to such men as the sub- 
ject of this sketch. 

Mr. Lewis is a native of Champaign County, 
Ohio, and was born on the 27th d.ay of August, 
18:50. His father, George Lewis, was born in 



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Greenbriar County, (now West) Virginia, Dec. 2, 
1801, and his mother, Sophia (WooUj') Lewis, was 
born near Elizabethtown. N. J., Jan. 11, 1800. 
They both went to Ohio with their parents while 
young, and were there married in 1827. The}' be- 
came the parents of seven children, five born in 
Ohio and two in Iowa. Of tliese four only are now 
living: AVilliam died in Ottumwa in 1875. He 
was a man of more than ordinary ability and was 
the Sheriff of Wapello Count}' in I808-.V.); J. F., 
our subject, was the second in order of birth; Dr. 
C. G. is a resident, of Ottnmwa; Martha became 
the wife of David Warner of ^'au Buren County, 
Iowa; George is also a resident of Van Buren 
County ; Jane became the wife of Henry AVarner, 
and departed this life in 1880 near Winchester; 
Nelson died in 1871 in Van Buren County. 

George Lewis removed from the State of Ohio 
in 1838 to Warren County, 111. He remained a 
resident of that localitj' until the following j'ear, 
and on the 10th of March came into Van Buren 
County, Iowa. He purchased a claim of 1 GO acres 
of wild land, ten acres of which was partly im- 
proved, and upon it stood a rude cabin sixteen feet 
squ.are. Into this he removed with his own and 
two other families, the total number of inmates 
being thirteen. They existed in this manner for 
the space of three weeks. Provisions were scarce 
aTid difficult to obtain, and Mr. Lewis was com- 
pelled to go down into Missouri and buy corn at §1 
a bushel, which he carried to a small mill on Che- 
quest Creek to be ground into meal. Even this 
was not always reliable, and when the water was 
low the pioneers had to pound their corn in a rude 
mortar in order to make bread. Mr. Lewis re- 
mained on this farm until 1871, and during that 
time had converted the wilderness into broad and 
smiling fields, and the rude cabin was succeeded 
by a handsome and comfortable farm dwelling. 
At the expiration of this time he retired from act- 
ive labor and removed from the farm into the citj' 
of Ottumwa, where he resided until his death, which 
took place on the 1st of May, 1877. Mrs. Lewis 
survived her husband three years, dying in Octo- 
ber, 1880. She was a highly respected Cliristian 
lady, and left behind her a record of womanly 
virtues and kindly deeds. 





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Although George Lewis was not connected with 1 1 

any church organization he was a man of strict ill 

morality, straightforward in his business transac- '*^^^" 
tious, and enjoyed the entire confidence of his 
neighbors and acquaintances. He was a man of 
great force of character and more than ordinarily 
intelligent, lieeping himself well posted in regard 
to local and general matters. Politically he was an 
uncompromising Democrat, and fearlessly upheld 
the principles of the party of his choice. 

The subject of our sketch came with his parents 
to Iowa when a little boy of seven years old. They 
located first in A'an Buren County, and he was 
reared and educated in the log cabin with its 
puncheon floor and slaVis for seats and desks. This 
rude structure was provided with a small square 
opening for a window, and light was admitted 
through panes of greased paper, and the chimney 
was made of mud. In order to reach the " school- 
house" he traveled a mile through all kinds of 
weather in the winter, and worked upon the farm 
during the summer seasons. 

Mr. Lewis remained under the parental roof un- 
til after he had attained to years of manhood, and 
on St. Valentine's Day, 1856, was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Sarah L. Neal, a native also of 
Champaign Count}-, Ohio, lier birth having occurred 
on the 11th of June, 1836. The following Octo- 
ber Mr. L. with liis young wife removed from Van 
Bui'en to AVapello County, and located in the town- 
ship of Dahlonega. Two years later he was ap- 
pointed Deputy Sheriff and then removed to Ot- 
tumwa, of which city he has since been a resident. 
He has been prominent in local affairs here, and 
was elected City Marshal, serving in 1860-61. 
His time not being fully occupied with his official 
duties he became employed as a clerk in the dry- 
goods establishment of W. C. Moss, Jr., <fe Co., 
with whom he remained until 1865. In that year 
he went into business for himself .as member of 
the firm of Lively & Co., operating thus until 1871. 
He then disposed of his interest in the business, 
and since that time has been engaged as an insur- 
ance, real estate and loan agent. 

Mr. and Mrs L. have become the parents of 
seven children, all living, and the record is as fol- 
lows: Josephine is the wife of William Hunt, of 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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Ottumwa; Leon D. is also .1 resident of this city; 
Minnie. Charles L., Louisa, .John and Anna are at 
home with their parents. The family residence is 
pleasantly located and its inmates are snrnmnded 
by all the comforts of life. 

Mr. Lewis has been identilied with the ilnsonic 
fraternity of Ottumwa for many years. He was 
originally a member of Ottumwa Lodge No. 16, 



but subse(juently, with sixteen others, withdrew and 
founded Km|)ire J^odge No. "iGK, and is a niendior : if 
of Clinton Chapter No. 'J, and Malta ( uMimaudcry 
No. .'51. lie has taken great interest in the \>v>)»- 
perity and advancement of the order, and is es- 
teemed one of its most valued mcml)crs. In 
his political afhliations iMr. Lewis is an ardent sup- 
porter of the Democratic party. 



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P INTTRODUQXORY.; 






LMK isevcr niuvingdii. Tlio 
deeds and actions of to-da3' 
form the subject of history' 
to-morrow. From the rec- 
ord of these deeds men foi'm 
leas of duty, which govern 
them in all their actions, pres- 
ent and future. In the fore- 
going pages has been traced 
the life history of many of the 
best^citizeus of Wapello Coun- 
ty. In those that follow will be 
presented in a brief manner facts 
in common to all, which go to 
makeup the history of this county. 
The plan of this work, as doubtless well understood 
by our patrons, will not admit of more than this. 
In the biographical department vve have given all 
an opportunity to have their sketches satisfactory 
and Complete, anil as history is no more nor less 
than a I'ecord of the lives of the people, much of 
the history of this county is therein given. 

The question is often asked why men leave the 
comforts and pleasures of civilized lands, and 
strike out into a new and almost unknown countr}', 
bearing the toils and privations which are unavoid- 
able. Not more from choice than necessity did 
the old pif)neers l)id farewell to the play-grounds 
of their childhood and the grave* of their fathers. 



One generation after another had worn themselves 
out in the service of avaricious landlords, or to 
eke out a miserable existence upon barren or worn- '7^% 
out land, which they called their own. From the H W 
first Hashes of the morning light until the last glim- 



mer of the setting sun, they toiled unceasingly on 'f| 
ivom father to son, carrying home each day upon [ [^^ 



their aching shoulders the precious proceeds of W Cj 
their daily labor. Money, pride and power were ^8—8^ 
handed down in the line of succession from the 
rich father to his son, while unceasing work, con- 
tinuous poverty and everlasting obscurity were the I 
heritage of the working man and his children. 
For the sons and daughters of the poor man to re- 
main there, was to follow and never to lead — to be 
poor forever. 

Without money, prestige or friends, the old pio- 1 [li,: || 
neer drifted along, seeking the garden spot, the | fl ?? | 
|)laee where he might establish a home, where he f 
might educate his sons and daughters, giving them ^ 
privileges he never enjoyed himself. The broad & 
prairies and beautiful groves of Wapello County ;!: 
in that early da^', were indeed inviting to those :iiJ 
seeking a home in a more favored land, and here 
planted their stakes, many of whom the present 
generation have reason to rise up and call blessed. 
To secure and adorn the homes desired by the pio- 
neers, more than ordinary ambition was required, 
greater than ordinary endurance demanded. How 



^^^,\flM 




554 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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W'4 



well they succeeded, let the broad, cultivated fields 
and fruit-bearing orchards, the flocks and the herds, 
the palatial residences, the places of business, the 
spacious halls, the clattering car- wheels and ponder- 
ous engines all testify. 

Generation after generation come and go like the 
leaves of autumn. Nations have been born, have 
had their rise and fall, and then passed away, leav- 
ing scarcely a ripple. on the great ocean of time to 
show that they ever existed, so imperfect and muta- 
ble have been their means to perpetuate their achieve- 
ments. It was left to modern ages to establish an 
intelligent, undecaying, immutable method of per- 
petuating this histurj- ; immutable in that it is al- 
most unlimited iu extent, and perpetual in its action ; 
and this is through the art of printing. Nations 
may become disintegrated and pass awaj', monu- 
ments and statues may crumble into dust, but 
books will live. This art has been rapidly advanc- 
ing from its first inception, until now it would seem 
that there were no longer any further ground for 
improvement. This is pre-eminently an age of 
printing, an age of books. 

To the present generation, however, are we in- 
debted for the introduction of the admirable sj-s- 
tem of local history and local biogi'aph^'. By this 



system every man, though he has not iichieved 
what the world calls greatness, has the means to 
l)erpetuate his life, his history- through the coming 
ages; so alike has every communitj'. 

We come now to the work l)efore us : To our 
patrons we say, that the sc3-the of Time cuts down 
all; nothing of the physical man is left; the monu- 
ment which his children <ir friends may erect to liis 
memory in the cemetery, will crumble into dust 
and pass away ; but his life, his achievements, the 
work he has accomplished, which otherwise would 
be forgotten, is perpetuated b^' this book through 
coming ages. Shakespeare has said : 

'J'he evil that men do live.s after them: 
The gooil is oft interred witli their bones. 

Our aim in this work has been only to preserve 
the good, to record such acts as will tend to make 
men better, to show how the early settlers labored, 
and how the present development of the county 
has been brought about. Many of the pioneers 
came into this beautiful country without a dollar 
in their pockets, but with the unflinching deter- 
mination to carve out tlieir fortunes and build up 
a communitj'. With undaunted hearts and a cour- 
age equal to that of the great heroes of our coun- 
try, they began life. 








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WAPELLO COUNTY. 















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APELLO, though eoinpara- 
>^ tivelj' a new county, is to- 
:S day ehi.ssed among the 
best counties of the State of 
Iowa, the "beautiful land." 
It is bounded on the east bj' 
.Jefferson, on the west by 
Monroe, on the south b}' Uavis, and on 
the north by Mahaska and Keokuk Coun- 
ties. It comprises twelve congressional 
townships, and is well watered by the Des 
Moines River and its tributaries. The 
Des Moines River enters the county on 
section 6, township 73, range 1.5, and 
flowing in a southeasterly course, leaves 
the county from section 35, township 71, range 12, 
thus dividing the county into nearly equal parts. 
The surface of the county is mucli broken, espe- 
cially along the streams, though there are some as fine 
prairies as are to be seen in any part of the .State. 
The whole countr}' is probably underlaid with coal, 
many valuable mines being worked, Wapello rank- 
ing next to Mahaska in the amount uf its coal pro- 
ductions. 

Like various other parts of the State Wapello 
has a history previous to the advent of the white 
men. Evidences exist of the great unknown race 
to which has been given the name of INIound- 
Builders, well develo|)ed mounds being in plain 




view, some of which have been examined an<l hu- 
man remains found interred therein, together with 
flint implements, and other productions of a race 
lost to view. Following the Mound-Builder came 
the wily red men, of which so much has been writ- 
ten, and so little true knowledge given to the world. 
When the Sacs and Foxes were driven from Illinois, 
some of the tribe settled in wh.at is now ^Vapello 
County, establishing villages at several points. In 
the limits of this volume, an account of the Indian 
settlement cannot be given, however fascinating it 
might be, especially to the 3'oung; sufHce it to say 
that here for some j'e.ars was the home of Wapello, 
a chief friendly to the whites, a great friend of 
Gen. Street, the first Indian Agent whose headquar- 
ters were on the site of the present village of 
Agenc}'. Wapello died March 1.5, 1842, at the 
forks of Skunk River, and his remains were brought 
to the Indian Agency, in an ox-wagon, and buried 
toward evening of the .same day, with the custom- 
ai'y Indian ceremonies. At his own request he was 
buried by the side of (ien Street, in the garden of 
the Agency. 

The history i)roi)er of the coinity of Wapello 
begins with the establishment of the Indian Agency. 
Early in 1838, and soon after the ratification by the 
United States Senate of the treaty of 1837, with 
the Sacs and Fo.\es, Gen. Street took stejjs for the 
establishment of an agency' witiiiu tlie boinidaries. 
and as convenient as iiossibic to the villages of 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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the Indians. The first building complete was tlic 
old eoniieil house, wliicli was ready for occupancy 
early in tlie summer of 1838. The agency house was 
soon afterward completed, and in April, 1839, Gen. 
Street moved his family down from Prairie du Chien 
and took possession. But he was not permitted 
long to exercise the duties of an Indian Agent, his 
health soon afterward failing, and in Ma}', 1840, he 
passed away. It is said the Indians were so greatly 
attached to the General that on the news of his 
<leath reaching their village, opposite the i)resent 
city of Ottumwa, many of them immediately went 
to the agency, and their expressions of grief were 
so demonstrative as to augment the distress of Mrs. 
Street. 

On the death of Gen. Street, Maj. .lohn Beach 
was appointed to the agency and took possession 
.Tune 1, 1840. At the time of his arrival, accord- 
ing to a statement given liy himself some years 
ago, the settlement here was as follows: '"In the 
agenc\' house wiis Mrs. Street, and the nine youngest 
of her children, of whom William B. Street, of Os- 
kaloosa, (now of Council Bluffs) was the senior. 
.Just over Ihe branch, in the rear of the agency, 
was .losiah Smart, the interpreter, one of God's 
noblemen, who combined in his character every 
Itrave, honest and generous sentiment that can adorn 
man, and within a few steps of his residence was 
tlie lilacksniith, Charles II. Withington. There was 
also Harvey Sturdevant, the gunsmith, but, being 
unmarried, he boarded with Withington, until, a 
year or so later, he put up a cabin, wiiere the writer 
now lives [August, 1874], and dug that fanK)us old 
well. As distance (from the rest of us) did not 
lend enchantment to the view of his bachelorhood, 
he soon switched onto the matrimonial track. Then 
there was the household of the Pattern Farm, some 
half dozen in uuml)er, except in extra times, such 
as harvesting. This was the actual agency settle- 
ment. On the lies Moines, a mile or so below the 
county farm, where the Ijluff approaches nearest 
to the bank, was the trading-post of P. Chouteau, 
Sr., & Co., but later more familiarly known as the 
' old garrison.' This was usually superintended by 
Capt. William Phelps. And just above the niuutli 
111 Sugar Creek, at the old road crossing, lived the 
miller, Jereniiali Smith, .Ir.. with lii> family. Tills 



embraced all the whites lawfully living in the coun- i- 

3'itl 

tj' at the time." 

In the summer of 1840, J. P. Ivldy was licensed 
by Maj. Beach, the Indian Agent, as a trader, and 
established his trading-post at the Indian village of ^ 
Hardfish, where the village of Eddj'ville is now lo- Ji' 
cated. He continued to trade there until the final 
cession of the Indian lands in 184'2, and was very 
fortunate in his business. About the time P^ddy^Ii 
located here, P. Chouteau, Jr., & Co. also obtained 5 1 
permission and located near the same point. In the ::|j 
winter of 1840-41, W. G. & G. AV. Ewiug, of In- J-ji 
diana, obtained a license, and were assigned as a jlt 
point for this trading post just at the mouth of 
Sugar Creek, below the present city of Ottumwa. i jj 
Mr. Hunt was their representative and managed the 3;^ 
post for one or two years. The Indian Agent and JiJ 
traders were all who were lawfully permitted to re-ajjj 
main upou the soil of AVapello County till the;';[ 
spring of 1843. z:^ 

In 1842 the Indians made a final cession of all ;;lJ- 
their lands in the Territory of Iowa and agi'eed to a^t 
leave, allowing its settlement b}' the whites. The jrh 
treat}' was to go into effect May 1, 1843. Before :;;J 
night of that day it is claimed there were not less 3; J 
than 2,000 persons actuall}' inhabiting the count}'. |i} 
For some time previous these pioneers had been ^"^ J 
making arrangements to take possession of the land :-^ 
as soon as thri>wn open for settlement, and had en- ^ 
camped upon the imaginary boundary line, ready ;;;[ 
when the hour of midnight was struck to enter in. JiJ 
The greater number of these persons were engaged*} 
the last half of the night of April 30, and morn- :"h 
ing of May 1, 1843, in marking out their claims, ; v 
which embraced from 80 to 320 acres. The mark- 1'\^ 
ing was done by setting stakes in the prairie and by E;-^ 
blazing trees in the timber. ; hj 

.Vs remarked liy .ludge llendershotl, in an ad- ; ^ 
dress delivered bi'fore the Old Settlers' Society of = 
Wa|)ello Count}' some years ago. the work wast 
very iuartistically done, being made by lanterns or^i 
blazing torciilights. "Many of the boundary lines,"' 55 ^ 
said the .ludge, '■ were crooked, disjointed, and en-3;i 
croached the one uiion the other. This inevitably J:i 



l-;n. 



led to many disttubances, called 'claim ditiiculties." v 
It must lie (piite .'iiiparent that these dillicultiesr 



ust lind sonic peaceable means of adjustment. To 










11 i^ai-ii ULtXXJfiH 




WAPELLO COUNTY. 



557 



: meet this necessity the earlier iiihaliit;uits orgaii- 
: ized what was called ' claim committees." A claim, 
: when honajide made and held, was as sacredlj- pro- 
: tected as are houses and lands of the present in- 
: habitants. The judgment of these crudely organ- 
. ized though necessary tribunals was enforced by 
i summary process. This process was generalh' a plain, 
written statement of the claim committee, setting- 
forth the right of the injured part3- and the wrong 
complained of, and an order to the wrongdoer to 
abide by and su limit to the judgment of the court, 
in default of which the power of the court was in- 
voked to carrj' out and enforce on the spot the 
judgment. From the judgment of these claim 
committees there was no appeal or stay of execu- 
tion. It was well understood that when the com- 
mittee reported it meant business, and generally, 
like Crockett's coon, the erring brother came down. 
Occasionally, however, these judgments were met 
by insubordination, and when it did occur there 



was war im the s])(>t, without any formal declara.- 
tion." 

Some amusing instances are related of these 
claim wars, and some that were a little serious in 
results. .Judge llendershott, in his address already 
quoted from, gives some instances. The address 
may be found in the local papers of 1874, and also 
in the History of Wapello County, preparc<l by tiie 
U'estern Historical Companj' in 1878. 

When Christ asfeed the demoniac his name, lie 
responded : "' Jly name is legion, for we are many." 
So it can be said of the first settler of Wapello 
County, his name is legion, for, as already stated, 
the morning of the 1st day of May, 1843, found 
many here who became permanent residents of the 
county, some of whom have been prominently 
identified with its history from that time to the 
present, lint the majority of whom have either 
moved to other parts or liave passed on to the 
other sliore. 



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^'X the loth of February, 1844, 
the Ten'itorial Legislature 
passed an act for the organ- 
ization of the county, pre- 
vious to which time it had 
been attached to Jefferson 
County for judicial purposes. The 
first section of the act declared "that 
the county of Wapello be and the 
same is hereby organized from and 
after the 1st day of JNIarch next," 
March 1, 1844. The act declared 
the Clerk of the District Court of 
said county, aided bj- the Sherift' of 
the count}', should be the organizing officers. The 
duty of the Clerk was to appoint the Clerks and 



Judges of Election, fix the place of voting, receive, 
open and canvass the returns, declare the result, 
and issue certificates of election. H. B. Hender- 
shott, who for so many j^ears has been a leading 
attornej- in Ottumwa, was Clerk of the Court, and 
J. M. Peck, Sr., yet living, two miles north of Ot- 
tumwa, a pioneer among pioneers, was the Sheriff, 
whose duty it was to post notices of the time and 
places of holding the election, and deliver to the 
Judges and Clerks the poll boolis. 

The first election was held April 1, 1844, result- 
ing in the choice of the following named : James 
M. Montgomery, Lewis F. Temple and Charles F. 
Harrow, County Commissioners; Charles Overman. 
Commissioner's Clerk; Paul C. Jeffries, Judge of 
Probate; Joseph Hayue, Sheriff; James Caldwell, 





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-txixxjxxxxa: 



Assessor; Tliomas Foster, Treasurer; Milton .T. 
Spurlock, Recorder; Hugh George, Surveyor. 

With the election of the foregoing officers, and 
their qualification, the county of Wapello was duly 
organized. At this time, or when the census was 
taken in the summer of that year, the county had a 
population of 2,814, all of wliom had become citi- 
zens within one year. As may easily be inferred, 
all, or nearly all were in limited circumstances, but 
they had brave hearts, invincible will, and a strong 
II t;;| I determination to carve out for themselves homes in 
this fertile country. How well they have succeeded, 
let the cities and villages, the school-houses and 
churches, the finely cultivated farms, testify. 

The act for the organization of the county pro- 
vided for the appointment of Joseph B. Davis, of 
Washington County; .lohn H. Randolph, of Henry 
County, and Solomon Jackson, of Lee County, as 
Commissioners for the location of the county seat. 
They were to meet at the house of George Wilson, 
near the old Indian Agency, on the first Monday 
in May, 1844, or at such time in that month as 
might be agreed upon by themselves. The Com- 
missioners met according to appointment, and se- 
lected the present site of Ottumwa, to which they 
gave the name of Louisville. This name, however, 
did not suit the people here, and it was soon after- 
ward changed to Ottumwa by the Commissioners. 

The first meeting of the Board of County Com- 
missioners was held on the •2(ith ilay of May, 1844, 



at " Louisville, the county seat of Wapello County." 
Charles Overman was. appointed Clerk of the Com- 
missioner's Court, and duly qualified. 

The first business transacted was the granting of 
a license to David (xlass to keep a grocery at Ot- 
tumwa, the Commissioners even then being favor- 
able to a change of name, and doubtless with the 
intention of changing it. 

Washington Towniship was organized at this 
meeting, while at the June session Pleasant, Com- 
petine, Columbia, Center, Dahlouega, Richland and 
Adams Townshiiis were created. Keokuk and 
Polk Townships were created in April, 1846, and 
Agency Township not until April, 18.")1. 

At the July, 1844, session J. P. Edd}' was gi-anted 
a license authorizing him to establish a ferry at 
Eddyville. The prices permitted to be charged 
were: Footman 6^ cents; man and horse, 18f 
cents; two horses and wagon, 37^ cents; four 
horses and wagon, 50 cents; cattle, 4 cents; hogs, 
2 cents. 

A jail was ordered built on the east end of lot 
136, block 1 1, in Louisville, but definite action was 
postponed, but in 1845 a contract was awarded to 
David Armstrong for its building on lot 140, block 
11, at a cost of §2,000. 

In November of this year the Board first officially 
recognized Ottumwa as the name of the town, pre- 
vious to which time it had been using the names of 
Louisville and Ottumwa interchangeably. 




nj zj-^iJ-ZJ --■ ^:j^trf 



11 

i;iE 



ij;: 

li:;: 




OUNTY officers having been 
elected and the machinery 
of its government put in op- 
eration b}' the Board of 
? County' Ccimniissioners. the 
■ounty entered upon its ca- 
reer. While there has been 
nothing of a very startling nature in its 
history, It will show a gradual increase, 
year by year, in its growth and devel- 
opment. The first session of the Dis- 
trict Court for the county of Wapello, 
was ordered hekl on Monday, .Sept. 16, 
1844. H. B. Hendershott was Clerk of 
the courts. Tlie first records were kept 
on common foolscap paper stitched to- 
gether, somewhat in contrast to the large, well- 
bound record books of the present time. Hon. 
Charles Mason was the Judge who presided upon 
this occasion. On account of his absence the term 
did not begin until Wednesday, September 18. The 
court was held in a log house, situated on the lot 
where the First National Bank of Ottumwa now 
stands. The first case that came up for trial was 
that of "Josiah Smart, who sues for the use of S. S. 
Phelps, (IS. Elias Orton, assumpsit." The damages 
claimed were §.500. By the consent of the parties 
interested the case was ordered dismissed at the 
cost of the defendant, which amounted to !S7.52;^. 
A Grand Jurj- was empaneled at this term, con- 




sisting of the following named: James Wei 
George W. Knight, Seth Ogg, Robert H. Ivers, 
Thomas Pendleton, Henry Smith, William Brinn, 
Lewis F. Temple, John Humphreys, Martin Fisher, 
Paul C. Jeffries, John Fuller, Finley Lindsey, 
William Pritchell. William C. Mclntire, John 
Clark, James R. Boggs, John Kirkpatrick, John 
Murray, Ison Garrett, Shannon Hackney, Philaster , 
Lee and Tiiomas Wright. Upon the panel being K i 
called the following named answered not : Robert 



Pi! 
H. Ivers, Martin Fisher, John Fuller, John Clariv ' ' n ' 

and John Kirkpatrick. The Court ordered the Sher- , j] i 
iflf to complete the panel, whereupon William A. Ijlp ifl 
Winsell, Peter Barnett, Richard Fisher and Jacob ^M \ 
Hackney were added to the list. James Weir was 
appointed foreman, while George B. Warden was 
appointed bailiff and the jury placed under his 
charge. Only one indictment was found, tliat 
against Joseph S. Hendricks, for larceny. The ease 
was taken up at once by the Court. Hendricks 
plead " not guilty," and the case was postponed till 
the next term of court, in April, 1844. It was con- 
tinued at that term till the September term, 184.'), 
when the Prosecuting Attorney refused to prose- 
cute, and the case was stricken from the docket. 
There were forty cases on tlie first docket and the 
term lasted five da3's. 

The first probate business transacted was in Sep- 
tember, 1844, in the settlement of the estate of 
Thomas Crawford, deceased. Hon. Paul C. Jef- 



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560 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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fiia-i was Judge of the Probate. William Crawford 
was appointed administrator, and gave l)ond with 
.lohii Stout as siiret_v. The administrator appointed 
Isaac McKeon, Paris Cahiwell and Sylvester War- 
ner to appraise the estate, which was done and a 
eopj^ of the appraisement filed in court. Among 
the bills filed against the estate wa* one l)y the ad- 
ministrator, amounting to *'J.o9|^, principally for 
whisky. \\'hethcr the whisky was necessary to 
drown his sorrow on account of the death of Mr. 
Crawford, or essential to a proper discharge of the 
iluties of the administrator, is not stated. 

And there " was marrj^ing and giving in mar- 
riage " in that day as well as at the present time. 
Even before the county was fully officered an ap- 
plication was made, on the loth day of March, 
1.S44, for a license to the Clerk of the Court, Hon. 
II. 1>. Ilendershott. The license was for Andrew- 
Crawford and Maiy Ann Montgomery. The couple 
being under age the consent of the father of An- 
drew and the guardian of ]Miss Montgomery was 
first obtained. They were married at the residence 
of Peter Walker, by U. R. Jones, a Justice of the 
Peace. The groom was nineteen and the bride six- 
teen years of age. On the same day a license was 
granted Dr. C. W. Phelps and Miss Lizzie Weaver. 
I'.ut before even this date, and when Wapello was 
yet Indian territory, tliere is said tfi have been a 
marriage solemnized at the agency. Harvey Stnr- 
devant, the gunsmith of the post, and a widow, a 
relative of C. 11. Withington, the blacksmith of the 
post, were married in 1«41. The work of organi- 
zation of the various townships, laying out of roads, 
building bridges, and the erection of public build- 
ings, occui)ied much of the attention of the Board of 
County Commissioners for some years, or until they 
were legislated out of office. The jail, as already 
stated, was erected in 184;'). In 1846 the court- 
house was built. One of the provisions in the ar- 
ticles of agreement by the Appanoose Rapids Com- 
pany, which laid out tlie town of Otturawa, pro- 
vided for the donation to the county of one-half of 
the lots ill the town, shoulil the seat of justice of 
the county be located here, and also for the erection 
of the court-house. John Fuller, Paul C. Jeflfries 
anil J. R. McBeth were api>ointed a building com- 
mittee. The buildinii was erected on the corner 



of Market and Third street, and was a frame 
structure, twenty-four feet square, two stories high. 
The lower story was used for court purposes, and 
when not thus occupied was used for school and re- 
ligious purposes, all denominations having an equal 
right. The second story ' was divided into three 
rooms, and occupied by the Clerk of the Courts, the 
Count}' Treasurer and Recorder. "Jt was a very nec- 
essary and useful building, when first erected," says 
a local chronicler, "and, indeed, continued to be so 
for many years. Beside its legal uses, it served a 
multitude of purposes, foi' all sorts of public gath- 
erings were held there — political, agricultural, 
plankroad, railroad and river improvement meet- 
ings. The first meeting in behalf of the Burlingttm 
it Missouri Railroad enterprise was held there." 
After being used by the county for twelve years, it 
was sold tt) the Chi-istian Church, and used by them 
for a place of worship for several years. It was 
purchased from the county for $600. The lot alone 
on which the ht)use stood is now estimated to be 
worth * 10,000. 

In 1848 was established the first paper in 
AVapello County, the Des Moines Courier, now the 
Ottnmwa Courier, which has had a continuous ex- 
istence for a period of thirty-eight years, and has 
always [been recognized as one of the leading 
papers of the State. AMth a newspaper to advocate 
its interests, progress must be made in the county. 
At this time the Des Moines River improvement 
scheme was being extensively agitated, and the 
Courier as a matter of course advocated it with all 
its power. To those living at the present day it 
seems absurd to think of making the Des Moines 
River navigable, and that thousands of dollars 
should ever have been squandered for that purpose. 
But it did not look absurd to those living here dur- 
ing the first decade, and who were long distances 
from a general market with no regular means of 
communication. When the Indians were removed 
from this section, they moved up the river and 
located near the Raccoon Fork, and the Govern- 
ment thought proper to locate a body of troops at 
that point. For the conveyance of soldiers and 
their equipage to that place, the little steamer 
lone was emplo3'ed, and, laden with stores and a 
detachment of troops, landed on the site of the 



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present city of Des Moines on the 9th day of May, 
1843. This was the first steamer that had ever 
ventured so far up the stream, and having made a 
successful trip, added greatly to the expectation of 
the estimated importance and value of this thorough- 
fare. The attention of Congress being called to 
the fact, on the iSth day uf August, 1846, a law 
was enacted giving to the State of Iowa, for the 
|iurpose of aiding to improve the navigation of the 
river from its mouth to the Raccoon Fork, an 
equal moiety in alternate sections of the public 
l.uid remaining unsold, in a strip five miles wide 
on each side of the river, to be selected l)y an 
agent or agents, who should be appointed bj' the 
Governor of the Territory, subject to the approval 
t>f the General Government. 

In 1847 the Legislature pasfscd an act creating a 
Hoard of Public Works, and providing for the im- 
(irovement of the river. During thisyear*150,000 
was expended near Keokuk in digging a canal 
from the mouth of Nassau Slough to St. Franeis- 
ville, the first i)lace on the river where it was 
thought practicable to build a dam. The effort 
was, however, abandoned, liul earlv in the spring 
of 1848 the canal and three dams were put under 
contract and about .500 hands were put to work. 
On the 21st of August, the building of ten more 
dams was contracted for, and there seemed to be 
a fair prospect for the speedy comiiletion of the 
entile improvement. But little was known of the 
resources of the valley of the Des Moines River at 
that time, so provisions were made by the (ieneral 
(iovcrnment for a geological surveyiu Iowa, and a 
party was sent up the river, which explored it to 
its source. A flattering report was made. Thej' 
reported that "e<.ial was found for "JOO miles on tlie 
Des Moines, and. from indications heavy deposits 
of iron ore were believed to exist; that gypsum in 
alinndance, forming cliffs for miles, was encount- 
ered; and that limestone that makes a superior lime 
existed in abundance; limestone suitable for lime, 
clay suitable for brick, rock suital)le for polishing, 
for grindstones, whetstones, and for building pur- 
poses, some of superior quality, were found in 
abundance along the Des Moines." Col. Samuel 
Curtis, the chief engineer of the improvement, in 
his report to the Legislature, led the people to an- 



ticipate great results from the improvement. He 
said : "No country can afford like accommodation> 
to manufacturers; no country can pi'oduce more 
agricultural wealth than that within sixtj" miles on 
either side of this river. Taking all things into 
consideration, the matter is mathematically certain 
(except in times of high water in the Missouri) 
the trade of Council Hluffs will incline to follow 
down the improvement. lUit it is not this point 
alone that is reached. We enter the great valley 
of Nebraska, and the ni)i)er branches of the 
Missouri, and offer the commerce of these valle3"s 
the cheapest and most expeditious routes for their 
products. A country of a thousand miles in extent, 
capable of furnishing vast and unknown agricultural 
and mineral products, may, b}^ wise and discreet 
energy in the prosecution of this work, l)ecome 
tributary to the improvement now in progress on 
the Des Moines." 

It is no wonder that when such glowing re|iorts 
were made of the advantages to be gained by the 
improvement of the river, that the citizens of 
Wapello County, alike with tiiose of the rest of the 
State, were enthusiastically in favor of the woik. 
But much time and money was spent with no real 
or apparent result. Charles Negus, in the "Annals 
of Iowa," published some 3'ears ago. gave a ver}' 
full history of this improvement scheme, and after 
speaking of the grant by Congress of lands, and 
of their disposition, concluded as follows : "This 
was a most magnificent grant, embracing some of 
the best lands in the State ; and if the proceeds had 
been judiciously and properly expended, would 
have made a great thoi'(jughfare for steamboats, 
besides affording an immense water-power for 
driving machinery. But through the incompetency 
of managing tlie means, and the intrigues of design- 
ing men, the whole of the lands below the 
Raccoon Fork, and a lai'ge quantity aljove, were 
disposed of, and very little practical good accom- 
plished toward the navigation of the river." 

In the spring of 1><49 the water in the river was 
unusually high, anil early in April, the steamer 
Revenue Cutter came up the river, arriving at 
Dttumwa about daylight. This being the first 
steamer seen on the river in several years, was 
quite a novelty to the inhabitants. A number of 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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citizens joined those f)n l)oard from other points 
down the river, and proceeded on an excursion up 
the river. The farmers and their families, living 
near the river, lined the shore and cheered those 
upon board as the vessel proceeded on its voyage. 
Several boats passed up the river and made the 
return trip this season, but this it is believed, ended 
navigation on the Des Moines. 

In 18.56 the present court-house was erected at 
;( cost of $13,000, and in IKJJS the old building 
was sold to the Christian Church, and used bj' that 

J bod}- for some years as a house of worship. It 
was subsequently converted into a wagon-shop 

^ ({| and afterward Inirned. The present structure, 

nl ™ which is of brick, was quite a respectable edifice in 
its diiy. but the busy city of Ottnmwa and rich 
county of Wapello, have outgrown the old court- 
house. The second jail building was erected in 
Is.iT at a cost of $9,0(Hi. 

The next great event to the jicoplc of Wapello 
Count}' was the war for the Union. Its record in 
that war w.as a glorious otw. While some may not 
liave shown that entluisiasm in its prosecution that 
was naturally expected of them, the great body of 
people were truly patriotic and were willing to 
make any sacrifice necessary to a restoration of the 
union of States. As this subject is more fully 
treated elsewhere in this volume under the title of 
"War for the Union,"' it is not necessary to repeat 
in this connection. 

Railroad enterprises iiad in the meantime been 
inaugurated, an account of which is given in articles 
on railroads. 

In the growth and development of the county, 
the extensive coal mines that have been opened 
form no inconsiderable part. For many years the 

HfeifJll i people of the county did not dream of the vast 
} ;|j mines of wealth beneath the surface of the earth. 
^.M. True, they saw cropping out here and there along 
the streams or on the hillsides considerable coal, 
and thus congratulated themselves on a sufficient 

^[ (\-^- supply of fuel to last for a few years at least. The 
attention of the pioneer was given to agriculture, 
each desiring to secure land, the fertility <jf the 
soil being unquestioned. But at last they began 
to realize that they had overlooked that which, be- 

' icii.'y ^ ing developed, would bring to Iheui a competence 



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which could not be realized by agriculture in long 
years. Lands which had been regarded as of little 
or no value took an upward rise, and the fortunes 
of many were made even without a stroke. 

According to the report of the .State Mine In- 
spector for 188.T, there were twenty-two mines in 
operation in the c»»unty, a large majority of which 
were in the vicinity of Ottumwa. The largest 
mines in the county are those of the Wapello Coal 
Company, whicli was (organized and incorporated 
Oct. 22, l.ssi. T. ,1. Potter is the President; H. 
L. Waterman, ^'ice-President and General Manager ; 
A. C. Hatfield, Treasurer; H. E. Jarvis, Secretary. 
There are in the employ of the company 4,50 men, 
the average wages being ^2.50 per day. Five en- 
gines are used, and the capacity of the mines is '.too 
tons pel' day. 

The Eldon Coal Comi)any"s mines are located in 
Wa.shington Township, Wapello County, and in 
Salt Creek Township, Davis County. The com- 
pany was organized March 8, 1882, with a capital 
stock of $.50,000, and a shaft seventy feet deep 
sunk. They employ from 80 to 100 men regularly, 
and shi|( much of their coal to Kansas and Ne- 
braska. Tlic present officers are O. M. Ladd. 
President and Business Manager; C. H. Merrick, 
Secretar}' and Treasurer. 

The output of the vari(jus mines in the county, 
as reported to the Strife Jline Inspector for five 
years is as follows: 1881, 131,81;5 tons; 1882, 
207,721 tons; 18.s3. 237,821 tons; 1884, 240,720 
tons; 1885, 187,91 1 tons. The amountgiven is only 
approximate, as man}' mines failed to report. 
Enough is given to show that the coal industries 
are extremely valuable to the county. 

In agriculture, W^apello County will compare 
favorably with other counties in the .State. For a 
number of years the farmers of the county have 
been turning their attention to stock-raising, and 
to-day show as fine horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, 
as can be found elsewhere. Much of the fine stock 
is imported; especially_ is this true of horses, there 
being several men in the county engaged in the im- 
portation of Norman, Percheron, and other fine 
breeds. The dairy business is constantly on the 
increase. The m.any streams in the C(junty make it 
peculiarly well adapted fur that purpose. 



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'^ z Wapello County has had a steady and sure 
ru : growth since its first settlement. Every year in 
which the census has been taken, save two, has 
shown an increase over the preceding one in num- 
"■ ber of inhabitants and material wealth. The fol- 
lowing is a statement of each enumeration, showing 



the population: 1844, 2,814; 1846, 4,422; 1847, 
.5,660; 1849, 7,25.5; 1850, 8,479; 1851, 8,500: 
1852, 8,888; 1854, 10,521; 1856, 13,246; 1859, 
15,060; 1860,14,578; 1863.16,729; 1865,18,794; 
1867, 18,930; 1869, 20,672; 1870, 22,346; 1873, 
22,261; 1875,23,855; 1880,25,285; 1885,25,8(13. 








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OR many long years the ques- 
tion of slavery was the bone 
of contention lietwecn the 
North and South, the latter 
ever being fearful that its 
rights were being encroached 
jii^ upon. Various compromise 
measures were resorted tf) for 
the purpose of allaj'ingthe fears 
of the Southern people, or to 
prevent open rebellion. "When 
the compromise measure of 
1820, known as the Missouri 
Compromise, was passed, it was 
thought there would be an end 
of future trouble. But the slave power was ever 
aggressive and determined to have an equal voice 
in all governmental matters, whether their popula- 
tion and territory warranted it or not. New Terri- 
tory being thrown open for settlement, north of the 
line fixed bej'ond which it was not to go, slave- 
holders were determined t<i enter with their slaves, 



and, if possible, make (if it slave-holding States. 
The Missouri Compromise was repealed by the pas- 
sage of what is known as the Kansas-Nebraska Act, 
permitting the question as to the admission of 
slaves to be left to the people of anj- given Terri- 
tory. The doctrine of popular sovereignty was a 
pet measure of Stephen A. Douglas-, and it was 
thought b^' him that this 'vonld settle all ditticuUy 
in the future, as none could object to the right of 
the ra.ajority to govern. But the measure was 
neither satisfactory to the slave-holders of the South, 
nor the liberty-loving people of the North. The 
former objected to it on what thej' termed consti- 
tutional grounds, slaver}- being recognized by the 
Constitution, and therefore the Southern man had 
the same right to take into the Territories of the 
General Government, his propert}', be it slaves or 
cattle, as the Northern man his horses and sheep. 
The latter objected on the ground that while slavery 
may have been recognized where it already was in 
existence, it was never designed bj' the fathers to 
perpetuate, nuicli less to spread it, and that llir 




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Territories must ever be reserverl for free men. 

The ]wssage of the Kaiisas-Nebra.^ka Act served 
t<i >()li(lifv the free-soil seiitinient in the North, that 
resulted in the organization of the Republican 
party, while at the same time it divided the great 
Democratic party. In the I'residential campaign 
of iscd there were fimr candid.ites for the Presi- 
dency. Abraham l>incoln. of Illinois, was the 
nominee of the Republicans, Stephen A. Douglas, 
of Illinois, of that wing of the Democratic party 
favorable to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, while John 
C. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, of that wing of the 
Democratic party opposed to the liill. and John 
Bell, of Tennessee, of the Union i)arty. The 
divided state of the Democracy made possible the 
election of Lincoln, and when the ballots were 
counted, it was found that he had a majority of 
electoral votes. 

The South had given notice that in the event of 
the election of Lincoln, some, if not all, of the 
Southern States would secede from the Union. This 
assertion was regarded as an idle threat liy the 
people of the North, who could not conceive it 
[lossible that any body of |)eople would be so fool- 
ish as to plunge the country into a civil war. ^^'hen 
the result of the election was made known, led by 
South Carolina, several of the Southern States soon 
after passed acts of secession. I'.y tiie people of 
that section United .States forts and arsenals were 
>eized, and everjthing at once done to rob the 
General Government of its powei'. Alirahani Lin- 
coln was inaugurated Marcii 4, Kstil. He delivered 
an address, on the occasion of his inauguratit)n, full 
■ if kindly terms and entreaties to the people of the 
Soutii to stay their mad hand. But his woi'ds were 
unheeded. On the 12th of .\pril, lisfll, tire was 
opened upon Ft. Sumter, .-ind on the thiiil il;iy the 
l)rave and gallant Maj. Antlerson was compelled 
to lower the American tlag and surrender to the 
rebel forces. The tirst shot that was fu'ed echoed 
and re-echoed throughout the Xoi'tli, and was as 
much a call to arms as the proclamation of Presi- 
dent Lincoln, wiiicli quickly followed, calling for 
7.'), GOO men. 

Theie w.-i> no lack of rc-ponse lo ilii> call anu)Ug 
the Xoi'tlieiii States, and no Stale more enthusi- 
astically or patriotically I'csponded than the Stale 




of Iowa. Men and money were offered without 
reserve. N'olunteers came from all vocations in 
life, and offered up their lives on the .dtar of their 
country. Patriotism was dominant in every heart. 
Party lines were ignored, and political contlict.-. 
were forgotten, and all formed themselves together 
for the preservation of the Union. The news of 
the conflict reached the citizens of Wapello County 
as soon as received by any other section, and 
aroused the same state of feeling as elsewhere e.v- 
isted. The ('oiirier, of Ottumwa, voiced the .senti- 
ment of almost the entire people of the county 
when it said in its issue of April 17: "The North, 
cool, unimpassioned and deliberate, is slow to 
move, but it will now be seen when she does move, 
as she is now moving, that it will be as the ocean 
in its sublime upheavings, with a current of such 
irresistible power that secession and treason will be 
swept from the land. There are but two sides now. 
One is the side of the Union as our fathers gave it 
to us; the other is the side of the enemies of the 
Union, who are waging war for it> dismember- 
ment." 

A lai-ge and enthusiastic meeting was held at the 
court-house Tuesday, April 23, at 1 o'clock. C. W. 
Kittredge was made Chairman, and J. M. Iledrick 
was elected .'Secretary. The Chairman slated the 
object of the meeting vvjis to express an opinion in 
favor of sustaining the Government, after which S. 
\y. Summers arose and moved the adoption of the 
following resolution: 

■' Jifis'ilced. That we are in favor of sust:iining 
the (iovernment." 

The resolution was adopted amid deafening ap- 
l)lause. Col. Gillaspy then addressed the meeting, 
concluding by offering a resolution requesting the 
business men to hoist the American Hag at their 
places of liusiuess, which was also adopted amid 
<>reat cheering. Other resolutions were then offered 
expressing the sense of the meeting in relation to 
the war, its causes, and the duty of all patriotic 
men and women with reference to the sup|)ort of 
the (iener.d (ioverument. A committee wa> ap- 
pointed, consisting of Thom.as Devin, Sr., J. 
Loomis. E. Washburn. C. C. Warden :iud Jame- 
Il;i\vley, to I'eceive :inil hold in trust ,-ueli eoutribii- 
{U)U> ■A> might be made for the su|)l)ort of the fani- 



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^ ilies of the inenibers 'of the City (Tuards, during 
; their absence in defense of the country, while E. 
Si;; F. Cody, J. C. Hinsey and Charles Dudley were 
l' ; appointed to solicit subscriptions for that purpose. 
i^ : L'nion meetings were also held at Ashland, Chil- 
; : lieothe, and in country school-houses, in which 
strong resolutions were passed in support of the 
(Jeueral Government. A comi)any of infantry' and 
one of cavalry was also organized at Ottuniwa for 
iionie defense. 
, On P'ridaj, May 10, the Ottuniwa City (Juards, 

i^;i (commanded by Capt. C. C. Cloutman, were sworn 
^' " into the service, the first company- from Wapello 
County. It left for Keokuk, where it was to reu- 
" <lezvous, on Friday, Maj' 24, almost the entire city 
t^ : and surrounding country' following the brave boys 
■i ~: to the depot from which the3' were to depart. 
-L ; There were wives with their little ones, striving in 
ri; I vain to keep back their tears as they bid their loved 
'-j; ; husbands good-bye. There were also gra3'-haired 
'"ij fathers and mothers to bid farewell to dutiful and 
patriotic sons, while they jirayed tiie l)lessings of 
Almighty God might rest upon tiieni. Tin; scene 
was a tearful though thrilling one, and will never 
be forgotten by those participating, tiioiigh before 
the war was ended it was often repeated, with the 
lis sad consciousness, as with the first company so with 
I a the others, some would leave never to return. 
iT'; The first call of President Lincoln was quickly 
followed by another, and then by anothei-, and an- 
other, until it seemed as if there were not enough 
loyal men in the North to respond to the calls. For 
: what were they fighting, and why was tiie war per- 
x z niitted to go on .^ These were questions asked over 
\-.j : and over again. As if in answer to these questions, 
i|:: Capt. C. C. Cloutman, one of the bravest and best 
men that went from Wapello County, and one of the 
tirst tliat fell in defense of his country, just before 
the battle of Ft. Donelson, wrote the following let- 
: ter to the Ottumwa Caurie/: It was found in his 
: trunk after his death and published in that paper. 
c No better presentation of the ((uestion was ever 
; made : 

;: '■ Tlie war in which we are now engaged, t(> a su- 
; perficial observei-, might seem to be n mere strife 
p of iJersonal or sectional ambition; or a contioversy 
[ about the negro; or an insuriection of local prejii- 



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dices, because Mr. Lincoln was elected President 
rather than Mr. Douglas, or Mr. Breckenridge, or 
Mr. Bell; or as some will have it, because of the 
persistent intermeddling of the North with the • pe- 
culiar institution ' of the South. All this may show P 
itself on the surface, but in fact, the war is, at the j'- 1^, 
bottom, no such thing', and whoever takes this l^i'S?' 



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view (mly, altogether fails to comprehend the eon 
test and the real questions and interests at stake. 
The contest is not of persons or sections as such, 
but of principles. The election of Mr. Lincoln has 
served as the occasion, but not the cause of the 
disturbance. It is no strife between the North 
merely- ; it is a eonrtict between tivo hostile and 
irreconcilable theories of government and human 
rights. It is two distinct types of civilization ; ( 
or rather it is civilization and barbarism grap- 
pling in a hand-to-hand conflict for the posses- 
sion of this (iovernment. The negro is but the 
representative of the essenti.nl equality and ab- 
solute rights of man. The .South stands to-day 
upon the same plntform on which absolutism has 
always stood. It enunciates the same [thilosophy 
and puts forth the same arrogant claims. It sets 
up a i)anner and ascribes on it that old lie of ty- 
rants that • might makes rigiit." It scoffs at the idea 
of human equality. It renounces the sentiment of 
absolute justice. It despises the masses as fit < mly j] 
t(j be ruled. It aflirms that capital sustains its true f 
relation to labor only when it owns the laborers, i] 
It builds its siiam confederacy on the doctrine that Ij^ 
one class of men is born to be tranipled upon and 
chattelized by another. In a wind, it sneers at the 
fathers of tiie Rei)ublic as dreamj- and fanciful en- 
thusiasts; it denounces the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence; rejects every princii)le of the Revolu- 
tion; despises the doctrines of a genuine Democ- 
racy; substantially plants itself upon the assump- 
tion of the Divine rights of kings, and represents 
ideas as thoroughly and cruelly despotic as ever sat 
upon a throne or ground the people into the dust. 
We shall not stop to produce the evidence to sus- 
tain the above assertions. Let those who question 
the fairness ot the representations consult De 
Bow's Review for 1S(>() and 18(J1, and we think 
there will be no mistaking the premises upon wiiich 
the .South has planted herself. There is no mistaking 



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the principle!* or logical results of the political phi- 
losophy which are there furnished. If these are 
granted then must the Republican constitution and 
government which our fathers framed be thrown 
away. All that the friends of freedom have 
through the ages been contending for must be 
given up. Austria and Naples must be accepted 
as the only just interpreters of political science, 
flvery popular movement which has made a despot 
tremble, or a tyrant shake in his seat, is proved 
wrong, and our vaunted bill of rights is only so 
much lying paper that should as soon as possible be 
committed to the flames. 

"Seventy years ago William Pinckney, of Mary- 
land, himself a slaveholder, foretold that unless De- 
mocracy destroyed slaver}-, slavery would destroy 
Democracy ; and this is what it is now trying to do. 
This conflict, we repeat, is one of principles, and 
not of persons or sections. We have no quarrel 
with the men of the South, as such. They are our 
brethren, our friends. We have eaten with them at 
their tables, and they have eaten with us at ours. 
We are linked together, not only by the memories 
of common history, but by ties of business, and by 
the sanctities of domestic and social affections, and 
slMjuld be thus linked together as one people. It 
i.s a fratricidal strife, and we would fain be relieved 
from the necessity of drawing the sword against 
them. We love not Ciesar less, but Rome more. 
The war is none of our making. We have done 
nothing to invite or justify it. We have claimed 
no authority to meddle with slavery in the States 
where it exists. We have simply exercised our 
American right of free discussion in carrying our 
principles to the ballot box. Believing slavery to 
be wrong, morally, politically, economically and 
socially, we have said so. This is all. Defeated at 
the election, the South has rebelled. They have 
protested against tlie doctrine that majorities have 
the right to rule, and unable longer to control tae 
Government, they have resolved to disorganize 
and destroy it. Tliey have defied the Government 
and commenced the wai-. The doctrine of libertj', 
the principles of justice, the Government reared b^' 
our fathers' toil and cemented by their blood, stand- 
ing amid the thrones and despotisms of the world, 
the grand assertions alike of the people's right 



-'^ 



and the people's ability to govern ; these, and the 
flag which has symbolized them, we are called upon 
to surrender. Being forced by the South between 
war and a surrender of these, we saj' let the war 
come, and may God defend the right." 

Right did prevail, but it wa^ after more than I 
four years of hard service, in which blood and ■ 
treasure were poured out like water. luthestrug-' 
gle Wapello County did its duty as proudly and as 
well as any county in this fair State, or in the 
Union. Some who went out were brought back in 
cottins, others were buried upon the battle-field, 
others returned minus an arm or a leg, while still 
others came back without a wound upon their body, 
yet suffering from disease contracted while in ; 
service. 

More than a score of yeiu's have passed since the ' " 
war terminated, but it is not forgotten, though the ; 
weeds of mourning may have disappeared. In too E 
many homes there still stands the vacant chair; too - : 
many hearts mourn the loss of father, husband and : ' 
brother, for the memories of that unhappy conflict 
to fade away. Our cemeteries are too full of tlie 
dead who lost their lives upon the battle-tield, or 
died from the effects of wounds or imprisonment, :' 
for the heait to forget its sorrow, or the memory to " 
become oblivious. No! the war is not forgotten, 
neither are tlie brave men who sleep in soldiers' : ".i 
graves. Once each year the survivors, with their" 
friends and the children, meet and strew upon theii' _ 
graves beautiful flowers, while lessons of patriotism : t', 
are repeated o'er and o'er. Never will these l)rave ~ 
men be forgotten. Their noble deeds, their sacri- 
fices, will be remembered in j'ears to come, and 
then, as now, will come the thought '-How beauti- 
ful it is to die for one's country." 



'.\11 hail to our gallant tlefender.s, all hail ! 

Our noblest, our bravest, our best: 
I'roiiil peers of the worlri's worshipeil heroes 
ye stand. 
By freeclonrs dear attributes blest. 

"All. the voioe of the past to your heart and oiu-- 
It brings ill its eloquent breath 
The wiurtoiies of victory, softened and blest. 
With the low. mystieiadenee ot' death. 

•But thi- angel ot'faitli with her magical waiul. 

Lifts the' veil t'roiii our grief, and behold I 
The invisible arm of a pitying God 
Hath gathered tlieui into the fold." 



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HE doctor is said to be the 
first person thought of when 
one is taken ill, ;ind the 
la.-it t>ne thought of in 
health. There is probablj^ 
too much truth in the 
statement, but surely no 
class in any comniunitj^ is more 
desirable than the well-read, com- 
mon-sense physician. AVhatever 
may be said of the physicians of 
the present day, it cannot but be 
acknowledged that those residing 
f3^ here in the early day had a hard 
life to live. To minister to the 
j]^.-y^.^ce)/ wants of the attlicted they were 
li^ often compelled to ride man}' 

miles over tractless prairies, facing danger from ex- 
posure to the cold rains of spring and autumn, or 
the chilling blasts of winter, while the remunera- 
tion would be small, indeed, if anything at all. 

The first physician to permanently locate in the 
count}- was Dr. C. C. Warden, 3'et residing in Ot- 
tumwa and numbered among its honored citizens. 
The Doctor long since retired from .active practice. 
The first physician in the county and who re- 
sided here a few months was Dr. J. C. Ware, who 
came from Fairfeld, and removed back and tliere 
died many years ago. 

Dr. Ilackleman, a brother of the Brigadier Gen- 
eral, came to the county in 1S4;3, and remained for 
a time. 

Dr. Phelps resided at the Indian Agency- for a 



time previous to the advent of the white men. He 
was a rough character, and adapted more to the 
frontier than to more refined societj'. 

Dr. Cunningham came in 1843 and located about 
three miles north of Ottumwa, in Dahlonega Town- 
ship. He was then a young man, of some ability, 
and now resides in Knoxville, Marion County, 
where he removed many years ago, 

.1. C. Comstock, now a retired physician, came 
about the same time as Dr. Cunningham. 

Dr. William Ross was also one of the physicians 
who came in 1«43. He settled at Eddyville, where 
he remained several years. He was one of the first 
phj-sicians to locate in the Territory' of Iowa, and 
resided for some years at Burlington. 

Dr. McClintock came either in 1843 or 1844, and 
located in Dahlonega Township, where he remained 
some years, and then went West. He was a man of 
limited education. 

Dr. \. C. CofHn, a relative of Mrs. Maj. Hamil- 
ton, came in about 1846. 

Dr. George Wright came about 1848 and settled 
in OttumVa. He was a man of fine personal ap- 
pearance, a strong frame, but was exceedingly' high- 
tempered. As a physician and surgeon, he ranked 
among the best in the State. While living at Bur- 
lington he got into an altercation with an old 
and highly respected physician, and knocked him 
downstairs. He came to Ottumwa soon afterward 
and tried to form a partnership with Dr. C. C. 
Warden, but without success. In a quarrel with a 
man by the name of Ross, in regard to a land 
claim, he was shot in the stomach, the wound caus- 



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iiig his deatli. He first shot Ross in the cliest. 

In 1.S4.S Dr. A. D. Wood came to Ottiiniwa. (See 
sketch.) 

Dr. S. Sinythe was also iiumljered among those 
vvlio carae at an earl^- da^'. He was a man of good 
ability, and now resides at Denver, Col., where lie 
has a large and lucrative practice. 

Dr. 1). 1>. Hubbard purchased the practice ol' Dr. 
Sm3'the. When he came to Ottumwahe was quite 
wealthy, but lost it all through intemperance, so it 
is reported. 

Dr. L. D. Morse, who came to Ottuniwa in the 
fail of ls.")G or 1857, was from New .lersey. He 
was a graduate of a New York medical school. 
After remaining here about two years he went to 
some town near St. Louis, afterward moving to that 
city, but is now in California. 

Dr. 1). W. Stewart came to Ottuniwa in 186(>. 
He was a man of more than ordinary ability, a 
graduate of a Chicago medical college, but lacked 
the ability to adapt himself tf> his surroundings. 
He is now in Des Moines. 

Dr. (i. F. P'oster, a gi'aduate of the Cincinnati 
.Medical College, came to Ottumwa in 1868 from 
Davenport. After remaining here five or six 
ye.ars, he quit the general practice and made a 
>pecialty of diseases of the eye. He is now located 
in St. Louis. 

Dr. William Fuller came to Ottumwa in 1871. 
He was a college graduate, anil a ph3'sician of un- 




doubted ability. He is at present residing in : 
ludianola, Iowa. - 

Dr. .lames Carter was a graduate of a Chicago ; 
medical college and began practice here in 1880. : 
Dr. Carter was reared in this county, his parents : 
l)eing among the i)ioneers. He is at i)resent filling : 
a chair in a medical college at ( )mMha, and is re- . 
garded as a growing man. : 

The medical profession in AVa[)ellu County to- : 
day is represented by some of the ablest men that ■ 
adorn that high calling. 

At Ottumwa reside the following named : Drs. - 
.). C. Hinsey, E. L. Lathroj), C. (!. Lewis, J. W. ; 
Nichols, S. E. O'Neill, K. C. Pyle, S. A. Spilman, S. = 
B. Thrall, R. S. Gilcrest, I. B. Whitaker, J. AVilliam- : 
son, J. Jackson Crider, William Blauw, T. .I.Doug- ; 
las, B. F. Hyatt. C. D. PoweU, H. W. Roberts, E 

A. O. Williams, .1. E. Wilkinson, B. W. Searle. ' 5 
At Eddy ville : Drs. F. M. McCrea. A. C. Olney, I 

(Jeorge SheHield, il. H. Sprague. - 

At Eldon: Drs. E. M. Arenchild. .lohn Box, : 

William Brownfield, R. W. Huston..!. \\ . LaP'orce, " 

B. S. Shaug, H. Strickling. 

At Agency: Drs. M. L. Davis, William Hilton, : 
Eli Sage. At Chillicothe : Dr. A. K. Berry. : 

AtKirkville: Drs. AVilliam Abegg, .1. H. Mc- : 
Cnne. ; 

At Competine : Dr. (1. M. Cowger. : 

At Ormanville: Dr. L. P. Torrence. : 

At Blakesburg: Dr. C. N. Udell. : 



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i^()TlllX(; is :i greater instrii- 
inentality tt)ward building 
up a eoiuitrv than the news- 
paper. Thi.s i.s lieiug realized 
,_^. , and acted upon by the 
~ -^:^?x^ iiiuneers of oui' Western 
■^ States .and Territories much 
mure thiin by the early pioneers. 
In the creation of a new town at the 
present time, almost the first build- 
ing erected is for a printing-office, 
and the advantage.*; of the proposed 
city and surrounding countrj- are at 
once heralded throughout the length 
and breadth of the land. Capital 
is invited in, and all who will come 
are assured a hearty welcome. Fortj^ 
^ears ago the power of the press 
had not been fully realized — the people were not 
then as now a. reading people, and in many homes 
such a thing as a newspaper was seldom found. A 
printing-press was a great curiosity and a printer 
was regarded as a superior being and looked upon 
with awe. The advent of a printing-press, and the 
appearance of a bright, clean paper, marked an era 
in the hi.story of a town .and county never to be 
forgotten. 

Four years after the urganiziitioii <if Wapello 



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Countj', when it had a population of more than iit,-^] 
y,000 inhabitants, tw(i young men — J. H. I). Street ffi^ fjj 
and R. H. Warden — had the courage to establish in V: h 
(Htumwa its first newspaper. At that time in all 
the vast country west of it, now inhabited by more 
than .s, 000, 000 people, there was not a single news- 
paper printed. This is, indeed, hard to realize, 
but such was the fact. To-day the weekly news- 
papers in that region are numbered by the hundreds, 
the dailies by the score, together with several ex- 
cellent monthly magazines. The press of this [if 
region will compare favorably with Eastern publi- i " 
cations, and is wielding a great [lower for good. 



The Ottuiiiwa Couri«'r. 

?)HE pioneer newspaper of A\'apcllo County 
first made its appearance Aug. 8, ] 848, un- 
der the name of the Des Moiiivs Courier, 
with ,1. IL I). Street and R. H. Warden as editors 
and proprietors. It was a six-column folio, neatly 
printed, and edited with considerable ability. Polit- 
ically it was the advocate of Whig principles, 
advocating the election of Zachary Taylor and 
Millard Fillmore for the Presidency and \'ice 
Presidency. In its first issue appear the adver- 
tisements of a number of merchants and professional 




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WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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men of Ottumwa. Lane <t Deviii have a card as 
attorneys. Dr. Charles C. Warden and Dr. A. T. 
Alt have professional cards offering their services 
to the afflicted. L. C. Nichols advertises a livery, 
"with horses and buggies to carrj' persons to any 
part of the State. He also keeps a four-horse 
omnibus that will carry fourteen persons, which 
he will run whenever occasion requires." S. Rich- 
ards, by IL V. Graves, advertises dry-goods, gro- 
ceries, hardware, etc. I". \\. Taylor advertises 
drugs, paints, oils, etc. A. Mudge iV Co., drj-- 
P goods and groceries. W. S. Carter it Co., the 
"Farmers' Cheap Store." Hunter dr Baldwin, 
jl general store. Of the foregoing. Dr. Warden and 
S- H. P. Graves yet reside in the citj', highly respected 
citizens. 

At the Ijeginning of the second volume, the 
paper was enlarged to a seven-column folio. Street 
& Warden continued the publication of the paper 
till Jan 20, 18.51, when Mr. Warden became sole 
proprietor, and continued as such till Dec. 20, 1 855, 
when .1. W. Norris purchased the office, and in 
connection with his brother, G. W. Norris, pub- 
lished the paper until 1860, when N. D. Mussle- 
man, A\'. 11. Caldwell and W. C. Holden became 
the proprietors. .1. W. Norris at one time was as- 
sociated in the publication of the Chicago Journal. 
In his editorial utterances, he was quite conserva- 
tive, though a warm supporter of Republican prin- 
ciples. In August, 1860. Gen. .John M. Hedrick 
and Maj. Augustus H. Hamilton became editors 
and proprietors and continued in partnership until 
January, 1878, when A. II. Hamilton became sole 
owner. Since that time no change has been made 
in ownership, though R. H. Warden, the greater 
part of the time has occupied the position of gen- 
eral editor, city editor or business manager. 

The Daily Courier was established in 1865, and 
is now in its twenty -second year. Both the weekly" 
and daily have large circulations. The Courier has 
always been recognized as one of the leading papers 
of the State of Iowa, and has contributed its shaie 
in the upbuilding of every public enterprise. Pulit- 
a icall3' it was an advocate of Whig principles as long 
1 as that party had an existimce, but when it ceased 
I to be, it was one of the lirsl papers to espouse Re- 
: [lulilicau principles. In ils ud\ocacy of the priiici- 




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pies of the latter part}' it has never wavered, though : i 
decidedly independent in tone. The name of the J^i 
paper was changed in 1857 from the 7Ms Moijies e|i 
Courier to the Ottumwa Courier. 
with the |>apcr is a well-equipped jtili ollice 



In connection 3^ 




Tli<" Ottumwa Dt'iiiocrat. 

N ^March, 1868, a Democratic pajjer called the 
Copperhead, was removed from Pella. Marion 
County, to Ottumwa, and its jmblication con- 
tinued by M. ^'. B. Bennett, H. M. McCully and S. 
B. Evans until Decemljer of that year, when Mr. 
Bennett withdrew. In December. 1870, My. Mc- 
Cully also withdrew. On thus succeeding to the 
sole ownership of the paper, Mr. Kvans changed its 
name to the Ottumwa Democrat, and continued its 
pulilication alone for some time, and then associated 
with himself J. W. Norris. 

On the 4tli day of A|>ril, 1874, the Ottumwa 
Printing Coni])any, composed of N. M. Ives, O. G. 
{rraves. Dr. (i. F. Foster and others, began the 
publication of the Spirit of the Times. Dr. Foster 
soon withdrew from the firm, and in 1875, II. M. 
Ives, son of N. M. Ives, purchased Mr. (braves' in- 
terest, and the publication of the i)aper was con- 
tinued by N. M. Ives & Son. until July, 1876, 
when I. T. Flint purchased a one-third interest, 
and the name of the paper was changed to the Ot- 
tumwa Times. Mr. Flint's connection with the 
paper was of short duration, he retiring from the 
firm in Febiuary, 1877. It was then c<mtinued by 
Ives ife Son until Nov. 14. 1878, when it was con- 
solidated with the Ottumwa Democrat under the 
name of Democrat and Times, with Ives <fe Evans 
as publishers, and N. M. Ives and S. B. Evans, 
editors. In 1881 J. W. Norris became sole pro- 
prietor, running it for some months and then sell- 
ing out to Kclwin Green, who disposed of it to the 
Ottumwa Printing Compan3", who continued its 
publication with A. Melick as editor. In Septem- 
ber, 1884, S. B. Evans again assumed control, and 
has since had exclusive management. 

Notwithstanding the many changes in ownership, 
llie Deiiiorrat has always been alily edited, and has 



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exercised great influence in molding political 
opinion in Wapello County, 'rinonghont the State 
it has also been recognized as a leading pai)er of 
the Democratic faith. At no time has it ever ex- 
ercised greater power than at present, its editor, 
Mr. Evans, wielding a strong pen, striking staluart 
blows in defense of those principles which he be- 
lieves to be right. The name of the paper was 
changed to the Ottumwa £>''/» o'vof while controlled 
b^' Mr. (ireen. Daily and weekly editions are now 
issued. The fc)rmer was commenced in 187."), but 
existed but a few months when it was compelled to 
suspend from a lack of support. In ISHO it was 
revived, and has since been continued, with grati- 
fying success. Its merits as an advertising medium 
seem to be appreciated b}- the business men of Ot- 
tumwa, as a glance at its columns will testify. 

Tlie Ottiiiuwsi ^Saturday Pross. 




WAPELLO COUNTY 






v^N the 28th day of August, 18«(), the tirst 
number of the Independent Press made its 
appearance, with J. W. Dixon as editor and 
proprietor. It was an eight-column folio, and 
seemed to have for its object the defeat of J. C. 
Cook for Congress, it opposing his election with 
considerable vim. The paper was continued bj' 
Mr. Dixon until Jan. 1, 1881, when the office was 
purchased by George Rilej', .Jr., and Edwin A. 
Jones, who changed the name of the paper to the 
Ottumwa Saturday Press. 

The paper remained an eight-column folio until 
the summer of 1882, when it was changed to a 
nine-column folio. In June, 1884, it was again 
changed, taking the form of a six-column quarto, 
which form it yet retains. W'hen Riley & Jones 
purchased the paper it had a circulation of between 
300 and 400. It now has a circulation of 4,000 
copies, and is still on the increase. This remarka- 
ble increase has been brought about by careful at- 
tention to business and hard work. At the time of 
their purchase the junior member of the Arm li.'id no 
knowledge of the printing business, and had not 
reached his majority- by several years. .Mr. Kiley 
was a thorough practical piiiiter, although a young 



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man of but twenty-five years of age. He had been 
schooled in some of the best offices in Central Xew 
York, and had served about two years in New 
York City, the greater part t)f the time as a re- 
porter. The juiuor member pulled off his coat, 
went to work, and is now numbered among tl)e 
best practical printers in Ottumwa. 

In the general management of the oftice Mr. 
Riley attends to the outside work, Mr. Jones hav- 
ing the management of the office w(:)rl<. The Pnss 
has a large cori)s of correspondents in the neighbor- 
ing towns, who furnish all the local news of imi)ort- 
ance up to the hour of going to press, on Saturday 
morning. No item of interest is allowed to escai)e. 
By this means the Press has attained a large circu- 
lation outside of Wapello County, and has tiiere- 
fore become an excellent advertising medium, 
which is appreciated by business men generally. 
In the discussion of all matters of public interest 
the Press gives no uncertain sound. Every enter- 
prise calculated to build up finds in this pajjcr an 
earnest champion. Politically it is independent in 
the strictest sense of the term. While bowing the 
knee to no party, as such, it feels free to advocate ; jLijt 
the election of any [jerson it may desire. It is not 
an offensive partisan, Init independent in all things, 
neutral in nothing. .Such paper.s as the Ottumwa 
Saturday Press are a blessing to any community, 
and deserve a large patronage. 



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Tlie .loiiiiial and Frie Pie.ss. 




i^jJ-^HIS is tlie only (4erman paper printed in 
|/^^ WapeUo County. In 1^71 A. Danquard 
^^^y commenced the publication of the Ottumwa 
Journal, a six-column folio (ierman-Democratic 
paper, continuing its pul>lication alone until 1879, 
with varying success. In is78the Ottumwa Frie 
Press was commenced Ijy Theodore Danquard. 
This latter was an eight-column folio, and was like- 
wise in politics Democratic. The German po|)ula- 
tion in and triliutary to t>tlumwa was hardly suf- 
licient to sup|)ort two (Jerman |)apcrs. even if of 
opposite political faith, much less tud of the saiiu- 
faith, so a consolidation became a necessity. Tlii- 



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was effected in 1S79, and the |)ublication was con- 
tinued under its present name, the .lnurnal and 
Frie Presx, with A. <ir T. J)an(iuard as editors and 
prietors. This firm continued until lM81,when J. 
A. Wagner i)urcliased T. Damiuard's interest, tin; 
paper being continued by Danipiard ik Wagner. 
Ill Apiil. ISS."), .1. A. \\'agner purchased the inter- 
est of A. DaiKpuuil. and yet remains as sole pro- 
prietor. 

The Ffle Press is now a nine-column folio, the 
enlargement taking place in February, 188C. In 
politics it yet adheres to the Democratic faith, and 
is exerting a great intluence among those s[)ealcing 
the German language in Wapello and adjoining 
counties. The circulation of the paper is now .sOO, 
among an intelligent class of citizens, and being 
among many who are conversant with no other 
language than the (iernian, makes it a good adver- 
tising medium. Tlu' editur of the Jininidl and 
Frif Press is a 3'oung man, a native of \Vapello 
County, though of (ierman parentage. 

Tlic l>cs 3loinc> \ ;ill<'\ .loiirnnl. 

^HIS is a sevcH-cohimn folio, published at Kl- 
don, by Conger iV Connell, at ^■\.:M per an- 
'i' num. The first number made its appearance 
Oct. 2, 11^86. The material of the office was that 
on which the Agency Tribune had been pulijished, 
which suspended a week or two before the .Ttnirnal 
made its appearance. The Journal is a well-edited 
paper. Democratic in politics, and says "it has 
come to stay." 




Tile Industrial Aiipeiil. 

OR 3'ears the labor (piestion has forced itself 

ilrT,\2;j upon the people, and until the issue between 

/l^ capital and labor is settled, and that. too. in 

favor of the working cla.ss, it will always be an ele- 

jj ment in the politics of the nation. 

IrJ The Industrial Appeal was started with a \ic\\ 

i){ agitating- this question and advocating the rights 



of the laboring man. Its first number made its ap- 
pearance, Aug. 1, 1882, with N. M. Ives as editor 
and proprietor. It was an eight-column folio. 
which form it still maintains, and ^Ir. Ives is still 
editor and ])ublisher. As announced by the editor, 
it is "anti-monopoh' in its teachings, indei)endent 
in politics, and severely neutral in religion, • for- 
ninst ' political bosses and machine polities." The 
Appeal has had fair success. Mr. Ives is an editor 
of ability, and publishes a readable paper. 




Till- Kldon K«>vi«'«. 

i>IIK Periew is a neat, seven-column folio, 
|niblished at Eldon, the first number of 
which appeared in November, 18.S1, under 
the management of E. H. Thomas, now of the West 
I'oint Ap/ieal. In April, ISS.'i. C. E. it L. K. Mc- 
Kinucy took possession of the office, and have since 
edited and published the paper. Tiider their man- 
agement the Rerieir has proved a success, and is in 
.a most flourishing condition, with bright prospects 
for the future. The senior member of the firm is 
a practical printer, while the junior member is a 
writer of much abilitj', having for some years been 
a contributor t<j various metropolitan publications. 
The perieir deserves good treatment at the 
hands of the business men of Eldon, who should 
[)atronize it liberally. In thus doing they will hel]i 
themselves as well. 




A'lirioiis Paperis. 3 

IKE every other org,anized county, Wapello 
!>) has had published within its boundaries 
quite a number of papers that had a longer ;; 
or shorter period of existence. 3[: 

-Vmong the best-known papers that were pub- 
lished that have ceased to exist was the Ottiimw.i 
Ih'iiini-ratii- SUilesninn, the publication of which 
was commenced in ISo.s, by U. D. li. Boyd, who 
ran it a short time and then sold to .1. D. II. iStreet. 
Ill isr.l II. 1;. Ilcndcrshott and Iv I.. Burton be- 
came editors and proprietors, and changed its 



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name to Ottumwa Democratir Union. In 1H62 
Mr. Hendershott retired, and S. H. Evau:^ beeaiiie 
assueiated with Mr. Burton in its publication, and 
its name was again clianged. Tiie Di'nuirmfir yfor- 
'■ury was the name chosen b^- Hiutun iVr Evans. In 
the winter of l.Si;;!-(U S. H. liurton i)urchasod Mr. 
Evans' interest, and the firm of E. L. ct S. II. Hur- 
ton continued until October, l.sG.'i. when Russell 
Higgins purchased the interest of E. L. Burton, but 
in one month sold to S. B. Evans. In March, ISCy, 
Mr. Evans retired, leaving S. II. Burton sole editor 
and proprietor. A few m()nths later the [lulilica- 
tion of the paper was permanently discoutiiuied. 

In 1870 H. S. Bailey and Dr. G. F. Foster com- 
menced the publication of the BTfi/lf, a lively local 
paper, but which survived only about six months. 

The Table Talk was another lively' local sheet 
which had an existence for a few months, in 1 ss.'), 
in Ottumwa. 

The Eddj'ville Frff Press was started in 1 s.Jo. 
by J. W. Norris, and continued liy him for a time, 
and then by .1. V. Vunker, who in turn gave place 
to B. H. Palmer, who, in IS.tCi, changed its name to 
the Commercial. The paper was discontinued in 
18.59. 

The Eddj'ville Obserrer was the next newspaper 
venture in Eddyville, its publication being some 
time after the suspension "of the (Jommercial. It 
was short lived. 

In 186-2 Melick & MeConnell started the Eddy- 
ville Star, which the}' published about three years, 
and then sold to Charles Sherman, who soon after 
discontinued its publication. 



Melick & Bitner commenced the next paper at 
Eddyville. called the [ndiqienrlp/it. It was also 
short liveil. 

The material of tlie Independent office was sold 
to Mr. Straight, who, in 1868, started the De.s 
Moineti Valh'ii Gazette, but soon associated with 
himself in its publication John Wilcox, sulist^- 
tpiently disposing of his remaining interest to ^laj. 
Wilcox. The paper survived about five j'ears. 

In February. 186".), ^\". L. Palmer commenced 
the Eddyville Adrertiser, a weekly Republican 
paper, wliich was continued for a number of 3'ears. 









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The Eddyville Beeord was the last newspaper 11 l! 
enterprise in Eddyville. It ceased to exist in the 
spring of 1 s;8(i. 

The first newspaper published at Agency' City 
was the Agency Citj' A>«cs6ot/, commenced in 1869 
by William Axliue. It was continued until tlie 
s[(ring of 1871, when the office was moved to 
Chariton. Lucas Count}'. In the spring of 1874 
the Agenc}' Independent was commenced, the office 
being removed here from Eldon. The Agenc}' 
Tribune closes the newspaper enterprises of Agency. 
The Tribune had a fairl}- prosperous career for a 
time, but from a lack of proper support was com- 
pelled to suspend in the fall of 1886. 

At Eldon several newspapers have been com- 
menced, among which were the Eldon Herald, in 
1873; the Eldon Me)i.^enger, in 1875; the P^ldou 
Times, in 1875. The latter paper had a longer 
period of existence than its predecessors, but in 
June, 1876, its name was changed to the Weateru 
Xen-a. Its publication was suspended in 1878. 

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574 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



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OMK interest was maiiifestefl 
l)y the people of Wapello 
t'( unity, during the years 1 8oO 
and IHyl.in plank roads. At 
this time it was hardly con- 
sidered in the range of possi- 
bilitj' that a railroad would 
Soon he built, and the difficulty ex- 
perienced in going to and coming 
from a general market was so great 
it was felt by all that something 
should be done. In Februar}', 18.50, 
a meeting was held at Ottumwa to 
discuss the construction of a plank 
road from that place which would 
intersect the Burlington A Mt. 
Pleasant Plank Hoad at Mt. Pleasant. All present 
at that meeting expressed themselves heartily in 
favor of the project, and a committee of prominent 
citizens was appointed to attend a plank road con- 
vention at IMt. Pleasant on the 27th of February. 
In this count}- subscription books were opened, and 
[Ottumwa responded with *>8,700; Agency Cit}' 
jwith ^5,000, and Asliland with |4,.i00. Notwith- 
standing the effort made the road was never built, 
for the reason th:it a more important pmject was 
started. 

The scheme wliich was far gieater than that of 
building a plank road was the construction of a 
railroad over substautiall}' the same route as that 



of the plank road. The railroad fever struck this 
county in 1851, and many of the leading citizens 
took hold of the work, advocated its interests, 
made liberal donations of money, and spent much 
time in securing the road. Their efforts were suc- 
cessful, and. tiu-ough the additional subscription of 
the county to the capital stock of the road, to the 
amount of *100,000, the Burlington i& Missouri 
River Railroad, now the C, B. A Q., was obtained, 
although it was not completed here till ls.i9, the 
first train of cars arriving at Ottumwa .Saturda}', 
August i;!, tlK)ugh for some months previous 
Agency had been the terminus. 

The Keokuk, Ft. Des iMoines & Minnesota liail- 
road was the next one completed through the 
county, the cars on that road arriving at Ottumwa 
but a few months subsecjuent to the completion of 
the B. A' M. 

The county had now two lines of railroad, one 
east and west, tlie other nortli and south, thus giv- 
ing it till' advantages of an eastern and southern 
inarket. The citizens were therefore happy. ( )tlier 
railroads liave been completed into and through 
the county, and, as this historj' is lieing prepared, 
it boasts of four of the great lines of railroad — tiie 
Chicago. Burlington A- Quincj', the Rock Island, 
the Chicago, Milwaukee A- St. Paul, and the Wa- 
bash — with an almost certainty of the Chicago & 
Nortiiwestern. 

The war was ended iu 186.5, and with the return 






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WAPELLO COUNTY. 




of the Union soldiers, enterprises that for more 
than four years had lain dormant, were again re- 
vived. Manufactories were established, railroads 
built, churches, school-houses and other public 
buildings were erected, and a perfect boom was in- 
augurated. IMoney was plenty and there was no 
disposition to hoard. It was kept ever on the 
move. 

As a result of the good times, several railroads 
were projected into arid through the county. 
Among the number was the St. Louis, Ottumwa & 
Cedar Rapids Railroad. A c<jmpany was organ- 
ized, which in time gave wa}' to the St. Louis, Kan- 
sas City & Northern Railway, which built and oper- 
ated the road to Ottumwa, where it remained for 
some years. Tlie road finally jiassed into the hands 
of tbe Wabash Company and was made a part of 
that great system. It now has J)es Moines for its 
terminus. There was no corporation subscription 
to this road in the county, but private citizens sub- 
scribed stock to the amount of $125,000, thus se- 
curing the road. 

In 1873 commenced a linancial panic and but lit- 
tle was done for several j-ears either in railroad 
building or in other public enterprises. Finally the 
Cedar Rapids, Sigourney ife Ottumwa Railroad 
Company was organized, which secured the right 
of way, and, backed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul Railroad Company, built the road from 
Cedar Rapids to Ottumwa, the first train of cars 
reaching the citj* from the north Dec. 31, 1883. 
This road soon passed into the hands of the C, M. & 
St. P. Co., and is now a part of its great system. 
As this work is being printed, having been ex- 
tended southward, it is ncaring Kansas City. 






-«- 



Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway. 

'^IIE Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway, 
widely and commonly known as the Wabash, 
is one of the most iini)ortant roads centering 
at Ottumwa, Iowa, and has done much to promote 
the growth and development of the city and Wa- 
pello Countj'. The policy of this road lias always 
been to foster and encourage local enterprise. 




Through a system of consolidation unparalleled in 
American railway history, it has become a giant. 
This consolidation, it is estimated, has added more 
than $50,000 to the value of bonds and shares of the 
various companies now incorporated in the Wabash 
system. The road takes its title from the river of 
that name, a tributary' of the Ohio, which in part 
separates the States of Indiana and Illinois. 

Thirtj'-four years ago, in April, 1853, the initial 
steps were taken in behalf of a line of road to ex- 
tend from Toledo, Ohio, to the Mississippi River, 
such road to be subject to the direction and control 
of one official management. Upon examination of 
the laws of the States through which it was to pass, 
it was found impracticable to prosecute the enter- 
prise under one corporate organization, and conse- 
quently district corporations were organized in 
each State. 

In April, 1853, the Toledo & Illinois Railroad 
Company was incorporated, under the general rail- 
road laws of Ohio, with power to build a railroad 
from Toledo to the western boundary of the State. 
The capital stock was originall}' flxM at $500,000, 
but in 1855 was increased to $2,500,000. 

In August, 1853, the Lake Erie, Wabash & St. 
Louis Railroad Company was incorporated in the 
State of Indiana, with the power to construct a 
raih-oad from the east line of the State to a point 
i>n the western line in the direction of Danville, 111. 
The road was constructed in 1856, and the com- 
panies consolidated under the name Toledo, Wa- 
bash & Western. Financial embarrassments con- 
fronted the company during the panic of 1857, and 
various changes in management and name followed. 
St. LouLs as an objective point, as indicated in the 
name of one of the corporations, was lost sight of; 
the road was built across Illinois, terminating at 
Meredosia, with a branch from Bluffs to Naples. 
From Meredosia to Camp Point a road was owned 
by the Quincj' & Toledo Cijmpany. In conformity to 
the laws of Ohio, Indiana ami Illinois, then but 
recently adopted, authorizing consolidation where 
the roads of various companies formed a continu- 
ous line, these roads were placed untler one manage- 
ment, the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railway 
Compan3'. 

In August, 1870, arrangements were made with 



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the Decatur A' East St. Louis R.iilioMfl Com pan v 
for the eoiistriictiiin and equipment of a raih'oad 
between Decatur and East St. Louis, the under- 
standing being that on completion thereof the 
bonded debt of the Decatur & St. Louis Raih'oad 
Company, to the extent of 125,000 per mile, should 
be assumed by the Toledo, "Wabash & Western, and 
that the capital stock of the Decatur and East St. 
Louis Railway Company, to the amount of Sl.5,000 
per mile, should be exciianged at par for the stock 
of the Toledo, AV^abash ife Westei-n. The road to St. 
I Louis was completed and opened for business in 
1871. During the two years following, the AVabash 
acquired by lease the Hannibal A: Missouri Cen- 
tral, the Pekin, Lincoln it Decatur, and the La- 
F.iyette & Bloomington. In the early part of 
1873 the Toledo, Wabash & Western controlled 
and operated 905 miles of road, with average gross 
earnings for the whole sj'stem of more than *G,000 
per mile per annum, and it promised, although cap- 
italized at a high figure, to realize the most san- 
guine expectations of its owners. The financial 
panic of 1873 seriously affected the road, so that it 
^^ ! failed to meet its obligations, and in 1874 the prop- 
lif ert}' was placed in the hands of a Receiver. 

This road remained in the Receiver's hands and 
under the control of the court until 1877, when, 
arrangements having been effected by the company, 
transfer of the property was made to the "Wabash 
Railroad Company. Soon after it underwent a re- 
organization under the name of Wabash, St. Louis 
& Pacific Railway Company, following which sev- 






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frp^l eral branches were added to the Wabash, St. Louis 
iV- Pacific system, either by purchase or lease, viz : 
.July 15, 1881, the Peoria, Pekiu & .Lacksonville, 
eighty-three miles in length, was acquired by pur- 
chase; July 15, 1881, the Springfield & Northern 
Railroad, forty -seven and one-half miles in length, 
,_was also acquired by purchase; Aug. 15, 1881, 
the Detroit & Putler Road, 112. G miles in length, 
j completing the line to Detroit, was acquired by 
•purchase; Sept. 1, 1881, the Indianapolis, Peru & 
Chicago Road, running from Indianapolis to Michi- 
an Cit3', 161 miles, was acquired by purchase; 
ct. 1, 1881, the Cairo & Vincemies, the Danville 
k Southwestern, .and the St. Francisville & Law- 
eneeville Railroads, 2G7.3 miles in length, forming 



the Cairo Division, were acquired bj- the purchase 
and since returned to original owners. 

The (^uincy, Missouri & P.acific Road w.as ex- 
tended from Milan to Trenton, a distance of thirtj- 
one miles, and opened for business Aug. 5, 1881. 
The Attica & Covington branch, extending from 
Attica to Covington, fourteen and one-half miles, 
was built bj' this company, and opened for business 
Sept. 1, 1881. A branch road leading from the 
Chicago division to the Braidwood coal fields, a 
distance of twelve miles, was built by this eompan}'. 
The Des Moines & Northwestern liailwaj- (narrow 
gauge) leading from Des Moines, Iowa, to Jefferson, 
Iowa, a distance of sixty-six and nine-tenth miles, 
was acquired by lease. There is also a branch line 
extending from Champaign to Sydnej', a distance 
of ten and one-half miles, connecting their Cham- 
paign, Havana & Western Road with the main line. 
The St. Louis, Jerseyville <fe Springfield Railroad 
was also built under the auspices of this company, 
from Bates to Grafton. 111., a distance of sevent}'- 
five miles. The Des Moines & St. Louis Railroad, 
from Albia to Des Moines, .and Northwestern Road 
was extended to Eads Station, a distance of twenty- 
one miles north of .Jefferson. 

This company, in connection with the Chicago, 
Burlington & C^uincy Railroad, built the Humeston 
& Shenandoah Road, from Humeston to Shenan- 
doah, for the purpose of forming a connection l)e- 
tween their Missouri, Iowa cfe Nebraska Road and 
their Council Bluff's branch, which reduced the dis- 
tance on this line between Omaha and Chicago 
nearly 100 miles, and gave the Wabash a short and 
direct line between Omaha and all points east. In 
connection with the Missouri Pacific Road, this corn- 
pan}' perfected a le.ase of the St. Louis bridge, tak- 
ing effect Oct. 1, 1881. 

The various branches of the Wabash s^'stem are 
in excellent condition ; the road-bed and bridges 
are substantial, well tied, .and laid with steel rails, 
and the rolling stock is first-class in every respect. 
The passenger department is unexcelled for the ele- 
gant and substantial comfort afforded travelers. 
On sever.al of the more important branches of the 
system dining cars are run. The number of miles 
(jperated west of the Mississippi River is 1,226.7, 




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aud east 2, -296. 8, giving a total of 3,513.5 miles. 

U'lie Waliash docs an immense passenger and 

fieigiit business between Kansas Citj', Oni.'dia, St. 

Joseph, St. Lonis, aud Chicago, aud tiie principal 




commercial points East. From Chicago to Kansa- 
City via St. Louis this roail has a large and increasing 
patronage in the passenger dei)artment, and is 
recognized as the most popular route. 




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tJFv* ' KillTLY regarded, the city of ' ing the town site and building up a town, a com- 

panj' was formed in the spring of 1843 under the 



Ottumwa is one of the most 
enterprising cities in the State 
<if Iowa. Its ver3' name im- 
plies perseverance or self-will, 
according to the best author- 
ities, and was given because 
of the dogged determination of Ap- 
panoose and his band making it their 
dwelling-place against the wishes of 
Wapello and other members of his 
tribe. Those afterward founding 
the place as a home for white men 
had something of the same spirit 
which has descended to those of the 
E [jresent generation. Even before the land was 
i^ ,: formally ceded to the whites by the Indians, it had 
)een deternnned to make all counties west of Jeffer- 
'- son of a uniform size, consisting of twelve congres- 
: sional townships, or twentj'-four miles from east t() 
; west and eighteen miles from north to south. 
; A\'herever possible to be done, taking into consider- 
l ation the surrounding countr3', the county seat 
i would most naturall}' be attracted to the geograph- 
S ical center of the count}'. While no regular survey 
:| had been made, yet sufficient was known of the 



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; country to api)roximately fix upon the center of 
the county of Wapello. For the purpose of secur- 



name of the Appanoose Rapids Company. The 
following named were members of the company: 
J. R. McBeth, Uriah Biggs, John Lewis, Thomas 
D. Evans. Paul C. Jeffries, Hugh George, David 
Glass, Sewell Kennj% William Dewey and Milton |}j jjj 
Jamieson. m'-^ r 

As soon as the county was thrown open for settle- iM^ 



ment these men at once selected the site for the 
proposed town, aud on the 20th of Ma}-, 1844, 
met at the place and entered into formal articles of 
association '"for the better organization of the 
Appanoose Rapids Company." By these articles 
it is shown that the companj- claimed that they 
were "^n•oprietors of the following property or 
claims near and adjoining the Appanoose Rapids 
of Des Moines River, known by the Indian name 
of Ottumwa, in Wapello Countj', Iowa Territc>r3-, 
viz : What is supposed to be the northeast quarter 
and the southeast quarter and the east half of the 
northwest quarter, and the east half of the south- 
west quarter of section 24; and so much of the 
north half of section 25 as lies on the left bank of 
said river, including the island therein, in town 72 
north, range 14 west; and also the west half of 
section 30, town 72 north, range 13 vrest, and the 
southwest quarter of section 1',), town 72 north, 



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range 13 west." The town, at that time, had been 
partially platted by John Arrowsmith, a local sur- 
veyor, who had, it appears, made partial survey of 
quite a large section cf country in that vicinity. 
The company, in its articles of agreement, in con- 
sideration of the location here of the county seat, 
agreed to donate to the county every alternate lot 
in the town, provided the donation should not ex- 
ceed one quarter section of land. It was also 
agreed to donate the mill site at the rapids, together 
with sufticient ground for milling purposes, to any 
company who would build a dam and erect either a 
flouring or saw mill. It will thus be seen that the 
proprietors of the town had an eye to business, and 
were determined to hold out every inducement 
possible to settlers. 

The name chosen by the company was Ottumwa, 
the Indian name. When the commissioners ap- 
pointed to locate the seat of justice of the county 
^ selected the site for that purpose, they gave it the 
M name of Louisville, in honor of Louisville, K}-. 
The early records of the County Commissioners 
ij ; show that that name was accepted, as jnobabl}' 
they were compelled to do, but it was but a few 
months before the Indian name was restored. 

For two years after the platting c>f the village it 
grew but slowly. According to J. W. Norris at 
that time "there were throe stores, a tinshop, a 
blacksmith-shdp, a tailor-shop, two hotels, a whisky 
shop and al)oul tifteen log h(.)uses, more or less, 
scattered about. There were no churches, no 
school-houses, and no pulilic buildings, except a 
little temporary jail, though thei-e was a civil cor- 
poration, a county org.anization, with the various 
offices and officers, and the courts and terms of 
court." But in 184.5 new settlers began to come 
in and the town began to take on some life. A 
mill was begun and completed some time during 
the following year, at which time a court-house 
was built on the corner of Third and Market 
streets. This was a most useful building, being 
used for all public meetings. 

In 18-4:8 the first newspaper in Ottumwa was 

established by R. II. Warden, yet an honored 

'IK { citizen of that city, and at present the city editor 

of the paper of which he was the father. The 

Ottumwa Courier did much in making known the 





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merits of the place, and the year following its ad- *- 
vent a veritable boom set in. Business was ver}^ J; 
brisk, and many buildings were erected, the latter ^\ 
being hindered, however, b}' the scarcity- of lumber, p 
owing to a lack of sawmills. Several steamboats p} 
came up the river during the spring and summer, 3|{ 
the water being unusually high. m\ 

The town continued steadily to increase until 1 8,") 1 ^-^ 
when there was found to be a number sufficient to 
incorporate, and accordingly in the sjiring of that 1 
year a town organization was effected, with George 
Gillaspy President of the Board of Trustees. 

Two years Later the town, according to a local 
writer, was very nourishing. Says the writer : 
"In November, 1853, Ottumwa was a thriving 
village with ]ms\ streets and an active, wide-awake 
population. One sign of prosperity was con- 
stantly intruded upon the citizens, and that was 
the eager inquir}- for houses and places of business 
to rent, which conveniences could not be had, as the 
town was completely full. There were then eight 
dry-goods stores, two drug-stores, one clothing 
store, one grocery store, one stove store with tin- 
shop connected, one saddle and harness shop, two 
hotels, two cliurclu's — Congregational and Catho- 
lic — and a ]Methodist chuich in process of erection, 
an excellent tannery, two steam saw and grist 
mills, a carding-machine, one w.agon-in:d<er's shop, 
three blacksmith-shops, four shoe-shops, three 
tailor-shoi>s, one bakery and confectionery, one 
printing-office (the Coi/n'er), a land-office for the 
sale of river lands, and one daguerrean gallery. 
The various charitable orders were well represented, ij' 
as there was a Masonic lodge, an Odd Fellows' | i i 
lodge, a division of the Sons of Temperance, and a J [' 
section of the Cadets of Temperance. There were \ \ • 
seven law3ers and six physicians. An excellent Ji' 
chani ferry was kept constantly running immedi- SD 
ately opposite the town. There was a railroad 
actually surveyed from hei'e to the Mississippi j;} 
River at Burlington, and about #600,000 had been • ! ' 
subscribed to build it. Another railroad had been J i } 
surveyed to the mouth of the Platte on the [:{ 
Missouri River." & 

There has never been anything of the spasmodic jhh 
in the growth of Ottumwa. While, of course, :i 
some 3'ears will show a larger increase in popula- " 



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tion than in others, there has always been a steady 
increase each year over the one preceding. At the 
present writina' (in December, l8Sn) there is a 
pojjulation of 14,000 inhabitants, and in coninier- 
eial importance the city ranlcs among the first in 
the interior of the State. It is the business and 
industrial center of a large area of tliickl\- popu- 
lated territory, and is the center of four important 
railroads, giving excellent facilities for transport- 
ation. The vt)lunie of its business is indicated by 
the condition of its banlvs, the deposits of which 
are about 4)1,000,000, with loans and discounts 
nearlj- as much. 

Ottumwa is beautifully situated upon the Des 
Moines River, the main part of the city being upon 
the north side. From the banks of the river there 
is a gi-adual ascent for about one-half mile, then bro- 
ken by a hollow, from which another ascent is made 
for another half mile. From the elevation a beauti- 
ful scene presents itself. Lying below is a busy city, 
teeming with life, while the river Des Moines can 
be seen winding in and out and passing on toward 
the Father of AVaters, with which it mingles and 
then flows on to the sea. Along the banks of the 
river is seen a perfect network of iron rails, on 
which the iron horse is steaming, carrying tons upon 
tons of merchandise, tons upon tons of live stock, 
and hundreds of human beings going North, South, 
East and West. There is no intermission. As fast 
as one train pulls out another comes in. 

From this elevation you see the handsome dwell- 
ings of the rich and the humble cottages of the 
poor. You see school-houses and churches, mills 
and factories, and you wonder how came they here. 
You remember it has been but a few short years 
since upon this very site the rude wigwam of 
the Indian was erected, while nature and the red 
men had sway all over this country. Change, 
change, is written upon everj' hand. Tlie Ottumwa 
of 1845 or 1853, of which special mention lias been 
made, cannot be compared with the Ottumwa of 
to-day. With its increase in popidation, its trade 
has increased in a corresponding ratio. The whole- 
sale trade will compare favorably with many larger 
and more pretentious cities. Its manufactories af- 
ford employuient to hundreds of persons, while its 
railroad interests keep busy a small army of men. 




Educational. 

!>HE public schools of Ottumwa arc the pride 
of the city, and rank among the best in the 
State. There are at present five school 
buildings in the city, as follows: Douglas, on AVest 
Second street, erected in 1870, with an addition 
built in 1877. The building seats about 300 pupils, 
and with grounds is estimated worth $17,000. Tlie 
Lincoln school building was erected in 1879, at a 
cost of 120,000. while the grounds are worth 
18,000. It is located on Court street, at the head 
of Washington, and has a seating capacity for 530 
pupils. The Garfield building was erected in 
1882, on Ash street, and seats 400 pupils. The 
value of the ground is about $1,000. and the build- 
ing )i>l 5,000. The Adams school building is loca- 
ted on College street, between Second and Fourth. 
It is the handsomest and costliest structure for 
school purposes in the city, being erected in 1884, 
at a cost of $30,000. The grounds are v.alued at 
$12,000. The building will seat 700pu[)ils. A new 
building was erected in South Ottumwa, in the fall 
of 188G, at a cost of $15,000, on grounds valued at 
$1,000. At present fort3'-one teachers are employed, 
in addition to a music teacher and a teacher of pen- 
manship. The number of pupils ein-ollcd is 2,200. 
The cost of the schools for the past jear was $35,- 
000. 

THK ACAUK.MV OK VISITATION. 

This institution, a view of which is given in this 
work, was established in 1864, and is conducted by 
the Sisters of Visitation. It is situated on Fourth 
street, adjoining the Catholic Church so long min- 
istered to by Rev. John Kreckel. The school is 
first class in all its appointments, and its well- 
known advantages for securing a thorough educa- 
tion in science, literature and art, will be suHicienl 
guarantee to parents desiring to place their daugh- 
ters at school. For twenty-two years it has been 
making a record of which it is not ashamed, the 
graduates of the institution being such as to reflect 
credit upon themselves and the school alike. 

The location of Ottumwa on the beautiful Des 
Moines River is pleasant and healthy, and the 
several lines of railroad make it eas}' of access from 
all parts of the countr3-. The school Ijuilding. of 








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which a handsome lithographic view is given on 
another page, is well rt(lai)te(l to the purposes for 
whicli it is used, and is heated hy steam and sup- 
plied with pure water on ever}" lloor, by the Ot- 
tumwa AVater Works Conipanj-. Fire escapes, 
readily' accessible and perfectl}^ safe, have been 
placed in various parts of the building, so that but 
little danger is experienced in case of fire. 

Every encouragement is held out to the pupils to 
make them attentive and create witliin them a de- 
sire for an education. A system of rewards has 
been adopted for this purpose, which has proven 
jfe^ of great advantage to pupils. In addition to the 
literary work the young scholars of the institution 
receive instructions in mending during an hour on 
Saturday. 

The academic year is divided into two sessions 
of five months each, commencing on the first Mon- 
day in September and February, though pupils arc 
'iffu' received at an}- time during the j'ear, and charged 
J jij only for such portion of the session as may remain. 

While the Sisters of Visitation profess the Catho- 
lic faith, they will at all times respect the religious 
belief of tlieir pupils, no discussions upon religion 
being permitted. An}' infi)rmation desired in rela- 
tion to the school will be ciieerfuU}' furnished by 
simply addressing a letter to the " Directress of Vis- 
itation Academj'," Ottumwa, Iowa. 

Till-: OTTL'.MW.\. ULSIXICSS COLLE(;i;. 

In June, 1871, W. C. Caldwell and J. W. Old- 
ham commenced this school with one student, but 
with a deter&iination to establish here a practical 
educational institution. For a number of years its 
success was problematical, and it passed under the 
control of different persons, who labored hard to 
place it upon solid footing. In 1885, Prof. W. L. 
Howe, of Oskaloosa, purchased the fixtures and 
good- will of the institution, and in Ma}', 188(5, sold 
iP^a^Tj a half interest to Prof. O. L. Jliller, who had been 
ill charge during the entire period of Mr. Howe's 
■H ownership. In the fall of 1S8G Prof. Miller pur- 
chased the remaining interest of Prof. Howe, and 
has now full control. The school is now in a flour- 
ishing condition, with prospects of great useful- 
ness. Prof. Miller is a tliorongh teacher, and every 
ilepartmcnt of a lirst-cl;\ss business college is rep- 
resented here. 



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Kelis'ious. 

^^.TTUMWA is well supplied with church edi- 
fices, some of which are very creditable 
structures indeed. The first minister of the 
Gospel to locate here was Rev. B. A. Spaulding, of 
the Congregational Church, in the spring of 1 844. 
Other ministers, representatives of other denomin- 
ations, soon afterward came in, and the moral inter- 
ests of the place were carefully attended to. At 
present the denominations are represented by the 
Catholics, with one church on each side of the 
river; Congregationalists, with a church on each 
side of the river; Christian, Coku'ed Methodist, 
Colored Baptist, Episcopal, First Methodist Episco- 
pal, Main Street Methodist Episcopal, First Bap- 
tist, Free Methodists, German Methodists, Presby- 
terian and Swedish Lutheran. There is also a 
chapel in the east end of the city, and an Inde- 
pendent Congregation meets in Liberal Hall. 

The Methodist Episcopal denomination was first 
represented in this place by Rev. Thomas Kirk- 
patrick in 1844, but an organization was not 
effected until the following j'ear, when the First 
Methodist Episcopal Church was organized with 
fourteen members. The church has had a very 
prosperous existence, and is now occupying one of 
the handsomest church edifices in this section of 
the county. 

The Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church 
was c>rganized in 18G9, with seventy members. 
Like the parent church it has been ver}^ successful, 
its membership being composed of some of the 
best citizens of the citj' and country. 

The First Congregational Church was organized 
Feb. 15, 1846, with eight members. Rev. B. A. 
Spaulding was its first pastor, and served for twen- 
ty-two years. The church edifice is on Fourth, 
between Market and CJreen streets, and is a hand- 
some structure, with a seating capacity of GOO. 
Rev. A. W. Arcliibald is the pastor. 

The Presbyterian Ciiurch of Ottumwa was or- 
ganized Dec. 24, 1853, with twenty members. 
Rev. J. M. McElroj', who is j^et living in the citj', 
was its first pastor. The present church edifice is 
situated on the corner of Fourth and Green 
streets, and is a neat building. Rev. Ben E. S. 
Ely is the present pastor, and is well liked by 



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581 




ehiirch and society. The church is prosperous. 

The Catholics are well represented in this city, 
with a handsome and substantial church building 
on the corner of Fourth and Court streets. Rev. 
John Kreckel has been the priest in charge (jf the 
congregation since 185.3, and is well liked by the 
entire community, Protestants as well as Catholics. 
The school in counection with the church is also 
flourishing. 

The St. Mary's Episcopal Church is located on 
the corner of Market and Fourth streets. Rev. A. 
C. Stilson is the present rector, and the church is 
doing well. The parish was organized in 1857. 

Tiie First Baptist Church was organized March 
14, 1855, with eighteen constituent members. Its 
house of worship is on Third street, between AVash- 
ingtou and Court. The church is in a i)rosperous 
condition, and well organized for work. 

The Christian Church of Ottumwa was organ- 
ized iu 1845 about three miles north of Ottumwa, 
with nine members. In 1858 the congregation 
bought the old court-house and for some years 
held service therein. Their present church edifice, 
on West Second Street, between Cass and McLean, 
was erected in 187.3. 

The Swedish Lutheran Church in Ottumwa was 
organized in 1871. Rev. M. P. Oden is the pres- 
ent pastor, and the society is in a prosperous con- 
dition. The church building is on North Jefferson 
street, between .Second and Fourth. 

The Second Congregational Church is in South 
Ottumwa. Rev. LeRo}' S. Hand is the present 
pastor, and the church is prospering. 

The Free Methodists have a house of worship on 
the corner of Main and McLean streets. 

The Colored Methodists and Colored Baptists 
p have each organizations. 

The Woman's Clu'istian Temperance Union is an 
organization which is exerting great povver, and is 
; composed of some of the best Christian women in 
the cit3'. 

The Ottmiiwa Loan and Building' 

Association. 

^^P*IIIS association was organized in March, 1848, 

( (rv\ ''^ '^'"^ P^'^s^Dt Secretiiry. Its incorporators 

Hrp \^y were: J. Williamson, (Jeorge Haw, J. M. 

Il Hedrick, J. B. Field, R. I)ougla.ss, .1. D. Ferree, J. 



T. Hackworth, William Daggett, Daniel Eaton, W. 
E. Chambers, 0. M. Ladd, A. G. Harrow. This 
association is organized on what is known as the 
permanent serial plan. The association has now is- 
sued and has in successful operation nine series. 
vSeveral hundred persons have procured through 
this association beautiful and comfortable homes 
for their families. Over |!200,000 has been in- 
vested by this association in this way. Probably 
no one institution ever organized in Ottumwa has 
done so much toward building up the city. The 
Ottumwa association is without doubt one of the 
best managed institutions iu Iowa. As a proof of 
this assertion we need but state that in nine years' 
business, covering nearly $300,000, not ^1 has been 
lost in its investments, nor has it ever had idle 
money on hand. Such an association caunot be too 
highly appreciated by the community in which it 
exists, and no management could do Ijetter for its 
members. 

The Ottumwa Tiirnvereiu. 

S there are a number of prominent and 
well-to-do Oermans residing at Ottumwa, 
it was thouglit an excellent idea to organ- 
ize a society among them. In 1SG7 this 
idea was materalized by the organization and in- 
corporation of the Ottumwa Turnverein, which is 
a branch of the National Turner Union. Their 
hall was burned in 1871, and three years later was 
rebuilt. It is a liberal society and includes in its 
membership the more prominent German citizens 
of the county, .lohu Wagner is the President, and 
A. Dauquard, Secretary. The hall is at the corner 
of Market and Fourth streets. 

The Iowa 3Iiitual Aid Association of 

Ottumwa. 
^HE above named association was organized 
April 4, 1881. by Mr. J. D. Ferree, its pres- 
ent Secretar}'. This association is purely 
mutual and does business on the assessment plan. 
It issues but one certificate of $2,000 on any one 
life, and docs strictly a life business. Its officers 
and directors are men of high character and stand- 
ing, and they look well after the business of the as- 
sociation. The record of the business of the .asso- 
ciation bears evidence of the above fact. The as- 









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sociation has had in six years, twenty-seven deaths, 
all paid. The assuciatiun has complied with the 
laws of the State, and doubtless is the safest and 
best assessment association in Iowa. Officers: Dr. 
J. Williamson, President; Hon. J. G. Hutchison, 
Vice President; J. D. Ferree, Secretary; C. F. 
P.lake, President Iowa National Bank, Treasurer; 
Dr. .J. Williamson, JMedical Director; D. C. Beaman, 
Counselor. Directors: Hon. J. (4. Hutchison, A. 
C. Stilson, John L. Moore, George F. Hall, W. \V. 
Douglas, D. C. Beaman, B. J. Boulton, Dr. J. Wil- 
liamson, Dr. H. W. Roberts. 

MiiimfaetJiriiig:. 

OTTUMWA is fast taking rank as a manufact- 
uring center. With the advantages possessed 
as to water, fuel and railroad facilities, there 
is nothing to hinder the city being one of the best 
manufacturing points in the State. Like its growth 
in population, the manufactories have steadily in- 
creased from the start, while all have been built 
upon a solid basis. Those here have come to staj', 
and will form a nucleus for others. 

Among the most noted of the manufactories are 
the Ottumwa Iron Works and Johnson RutHer Com- 
pany*. While two separate institutions, they are 
yet controlled by the same persons, the capital 
stock of each being )f!24,000. 

Among other manufacturing institutions worthj^ 
of notice are the following: Robert Bigham, 
Julius Fecht, Graves Bros., Win S. Leas, cigars; 
C. F. W. Bachman and Daniel Eaton, furniture; 
W. H. Boston & Co., harness; W. T. Harper & Co., 
linseed oil; J. E. Langford, artificial stone; C. E. 
JNIcDauiel & Co., boilers; H. W. Moses & Co., but- 
ter tubs; C. Myers, harness ; Peter O'Connell, boil- 
ers; Porter Bros. & Haokworth, harness; Pollard & 
Belmont, carriages; Sanchez & Sou, soap; T. K. 
Shepherd, pumps; Schick & Son, cooperage; S. H. 
Worcester & Son, show cases and office furniture; 
Western Machine Works, Cutlery Works, Starch 
Works, Woolen Factor}'. 

THE WHITK KUEAST COAL COMPANY. 

This company is represented in this city by J. A. 
Kebler, General Superintendent. It w-as organized 
in January, 1870, at Burlington, Iowa, with a cap- 
ital stock of $00,000. William Haven was its first 




President and Superintendent, and J. C. Osgood, 
Secretary' and Treasurer. Some of the gentleman 
of this company had been prospecting along White 
Breast Creek, in Lucas County, with very gratif}'- 
ing results. On the organization of the company 
it immediately commenced operations, purchas- 
ing the necessary machinery and sinking a shaft. 
From the sUirt the company has been very suc- 
cessful in its operations, and from time to time 
has increased its capital stock until it now amounts 
to $1,000,000. The offices of the companj' have 
been removed from Burlington to Ottumwa, and 
on completion of the First National Bank Building 
in this citj' a handsome suite of rooms was arranged 
in the second stor^', which apartments are used by 
the company. 

The coal mined by this company at Cleveland 
and Swan is said to be superior to any other the 
State of Iowa has produced. The perfect care dis- 
played in cleaning, assorting and separating the 
various grades, has made the coal popular with 
consumers. The company have succeeded in find- 
ing a market for their product in Iowa, Illinois, 
Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. In addition to 
their own mines they have contracted for the out- 
put of several other mines. Their shipments are 
reaching over 1 ,000,000 tons per year. 

The present officers of the company are : J. C. 
Osgood, President, Chicago; C. M. Schenck, Vice 
President and Treasurer, Chicago; T. C. Mauro, 
Secretary, Ottumwa; J. A. Kebler, General Super- 
intendent, Ottumwa; S. A. Forbush, General Agent, 
Ottumwa. 

MLscellaneoiis. 

THK KIRE DErAUTMENT. 

NE of the most useful institutions in Ottum- 
wa is its fire department, which was first or- 
ganized in 1 808. At present the company 
is composed of eight men, with T. J. Ward as 
Chief; Mark Bush, Foreman; Joseph Crawford, 
Assistant; C. A. Calhoun, Secretary. In the past 
year there has been an average of three calls per 
month. The department has in its main building, 
on Market street, one engine and 1,500 feet of 
hose, with hose-cart, truck, etc. In different parts 




am 



I 



ii^MMmmUi'iuK'f'SfiW' [U™'M'' h 



rriTlUr 







1: 



;i 



1 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



583 



of the citj' there are four hose-carts, with .300 feet 
of hose attachefl. The engine is never used, there 
being sufficient force to throw a stream over 100 
feet high in almost aii_v part i>f the city where 
water-mains have been laid. At a test on Court 
street, near the c()urt-hi>use, a stream was thrown 
from the hydrant, through H-iuch hose, 146 feet 
high. Three men sleep in the engine house each 
night, while there is an electric bell in the residence 
of each of the others, connecting with the engine 
room. A salary of *100 per year is paid each of 
the men for their services. 

rilK POLICE DEPARTMENT. 



For the further protection of the citj' a Police 

S Department has been organized, consisting of a 

ill Marshal, Deputy Marshal and seven policemen. 

i Henry C. Williams is the present Marshal, and O. 

C. Truitt, Assistant JLarshal. The ]\Larshal and 

: I four policemen serve in the day, and the Deputy 

ig and three policemen at night. In addition to the 

regular police the merchants employ one. 

LIGIITINO THE CITY. 

For illuminating purposes there is gas, the Brush 
electric light and the incandescent electric light. 
^ The gas company was organized in 1870, the Brush 
il in 188.5, and the incandescent in the fall of 1«86. 

THE WATER SUPPLY. 

A company was organized in 1877 for the pur- 
pose of introducing water-works in the city, and 
secured a charter from the city for the same. 
Water is obtained from the Des Moines River, and 
is distributed by mains throughout almost the en- 
tire city. Hj'drants are put in at various points 
for protection against fire. The force of the water 
a is so great as to send a stream through H-inch 
hose over any building in the city. 

THE POST-OFFICE. 

The post-office was established in 1844, with 
Paul C. Jeffries as Postmastei-. The office of Post- 
master has been held bj- but eight persons in that 
time, in order as follows : Paul C. Jeffries, Richard 
H. Warden, .Stephen Osborn, Thomas J. Holmes, 
J. W. Norris, J. M. Hedrick, A. H. Hamilton and 
S. B. Evans. It will be seen the majoritj' of them 
3g have l)een newspaper men, publishers of the [tarty 




' '"■''^^^y"f^rr»TT«TTtJPixnrx n 



rrrrw~irrrtwrtr9ffir*iirr-^-^ 



j^£ 



papers represented bj' the administrations. The 
affairs of the office have generally, if not always, 
been well managed, and to the satisfaction of its 
patrons. 3Iaj. Hamilton, of the Courier, held the 
office a greater period of time than an^' other per- 
son, receiving his first appointment in 1870, and 
serving till July, 188.5, when he was succeeded bj' 
Capt. S. B. Evans, the incumbent. 

The office is now located on the corner of Mar- 
ket and Second streets, probably the most conven- 
ient point in the citj^ for all classes of its people. 
Thirteen men are required to transact the business 
of the office — the Postmaster, Capt. Evans; his 
Deputj', J. M. Muri'ay ; one mailing clerk, one 
money-order clerk, one general delivery clerk, one 
night clerk, one special messenger, and six carriers. 
From December, 1885, to December, 1886, there 
were delivered bj' carriers 2,40.5 registered letters; 
524,687 unregistered letters: 116,866 postal cards 
received bj' mail; 55,61.3 local letters; 24,577 local 
postal cards; 379,596 newspapers, magazines and 
pamphlets. There were returned to the office bj- 
carriers 181 letters. Of mail matter collected by 
carriers there were 368,879 letters; 98,051 postal 
cards; 33,571 newspapers, etc. Amount of postage 
collected by carriers, 851,779.69. For the year 
there were sold of stamps and postal cards $lo,- 
295.96; envelopes and newspaper wrappers, $5,- 
352.08. The money-order business amounted to 
about $100,000. 




'PI 



'i^m- 



Academy of the Visitatioii. 

" HE Order of the Msitation is not a recent 

§ organization, but has existed for nearly 280 
years, having been founded in 1610 by .St. 
.St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Prince of Geneva, 
and St. Jane Frances, Baroness de Chautal. Dur- 
ing this long period the integrity of this Order as 
a religious and educational factor in the training 
of young girls has never been impaired. Con- 
stantly increasing in strength and vigor, by the es- 
tablishment of new houses, it has gradualh' spread 
over nearlj- the entire world, even being repre- 
sented in the Holy Land. It had alreadj' numbered 



y?s^si 







1- iim rxiii 1 1 



•"ir 



1; 




584 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



l)ef()re the death (if its 



over seventy fouiidatioiis 
saintlj' founders. 

The first house established in this country was at 
Georgetown, I). C, and is regarded, on that ac- 
count, as the Motlier House in the United States. 
Although each is entirely independent of all tlie 
others, as far as the management of temporal affairs 
is concerned, yet by a wide and beautiful arrange- 
ment of St. Francis de Sales, the entire Visitation 
Order is considered as one family. Intercourse 
between the different houses is constantly main- 
tained bj' circular letters, giving full |i:u'ticulars of 
whatever may have occurred touching the welfare 
of each and all. 

In case of a death in the eommunit3' notice of 
the same is at onco sent tt> the other houses, that 
special prayers niaj- be offered for the clear de- 
parted. A sketch of the entire life of the deceased 
is also prepared and becomes the common propert}' 
of the Order. A few of these "Lives" have al- 
ready been given to the public. Many of those 
never yet published — except for private circula- 
tion — would furnish a unique form of literature, 
fully equal, in the charm and interest of detail, to 
any biograph}' ever published. 

As the Visitation is essentially a teaching Order, 
the time and talents of its members are mainlj^ de- 
voted to that noble work, and, let us add, not in a 
time-serving, money-making spirit, but conscien- 
tiously, from the purest of motives and the noblest 
of aims, viz. : the culture of the minds and hearts 
of their pupils, desiring that their progress in 
science maj' keep pace, not supercede, their ad- 
vancement in whatever may lead them to become 
ornaments to societ}', the jiride and comfort of the 
home circle, in a word, tvnly virtuous. For, al- 
though the Sisters of the Visitation do not restrain 
or constrain the religious tendencies of those under 
their care, j'et they cannot in conscience follow tlie 
too i)revalent spirit of the age, and ignore even 
^ tacitly the existence of God, the most solemn- ob- 
ligations of the creature to the Creator, as well as 
the highest truths of morality. Considering these 
to be the fundamental principles of true education 
tliey never fail to inculcate the same in their gen- 
eral instructions. 

The Academy of the ^'isitation in Ottumwa was 



established on the 2.5th of October, 1804. at the re- 
(piest of Rev. .John Kreckel, now entering upon his 
thirty-fourth j'ear as Pastor of St. Mary's Catholic 
Church. Although the accommodations were at 
first verj' limited yet the list of boarders and da3-- 
scholars was soon more than filled, representing the 
best Catholic and Protestant families of Iowa, as 
well as the neighboring and far-distant States, both 
East and West. Temporary buildings were added 
to meet the present urgent needs of the community' 
and pupils. More sHl)stantial quarters were needed, 
and although finances were at a low ebb, j'et, after 
mature deliberation, trusting in assistance from on 
high, steps were taken to erect an academy'. 

Ground was broken on Friday, July 2. 1869, and 
in one 3'ear from that date possession was taken of 
the new and commodious building still occupied 
by the Sisters of the Visitation and their pupils, 
being used Ijoth as a ^Monastery and an Academy'. 
For some time past it has seemed inevitable that 
additions must be made to the present quarter.'?, or, 
what would be more desirable, a Tnore retired lo- 
cality, with additional grounds and larger buildings, 
for the accommodations are wholly inadequate to 
the needs of the Sisters and pupils. 

The first Superior was Mother Jlary Stanislaus 
Scott, of Washington, D. C. She still holds the 
same honorable position, two intervals alone, of 
three years each, interrupting her firm and gentle 
guidance of those placed under her charge. To her 
wise and skillful direction of affairs, and to the 
zealous labors of Rev. Father John Kreckel, maj- be 
attributed the success which has thus far made the 
Visitation Academy a model educational institution. 
Pupils of all ages are received here, special care be- 
ing taken to have them well grounded in the funda- 
mentals, then advanced to higher grades according 
to proficiency, rather than on account of time spent 
upon a stud^'. Those who are not so far advanced 
as others of their own age, on account of illness, 
want of opportunit}', or from other causes, will 
find at the Visitation Academy that kind and con- 
siderate attention and assistance which will supply 
all natural deficiencies, and prevent any embarrass- 
ment they might otherwise feel. The terms are as 
follows, per session of five months : Entrance fee, 
paid but once, f!.o; board and tuition in the English 



Cl^ 




tS3S 



^3S3 





Ux^dd^^ddr'^ 



WAPELLO COUNTY 



branches, washing, bed, bedding, fuel and lights, per 
session, iJlOO; the same, per quarter, or half session, 
*;.30 ; primar}' department fur children under tou 
years of age, *i.sO ; the same, per quarter, >i;40. 

For day scholars: Graduating class, per quarter, 
!j<12; 1st and 2d classes, per quarter, *S; division 
of the 2d. 3d and division of the ;;d. per quarter. 
$G-; 4th and .^tli classes, per quarter, §4; primary 
department, per (punter, ?<;!. 

Extra charges: Short-hand terms, according to 
number of lessons; book-keeping, per quarter, $4; 
Latin, P'rench and (lerman, eacii, per quarter, *?> ; 
lessons on piano, with use of instrument, per quar- 
ter, $10; lessons on harp, with use of instrument, 
[)cr quarter, ^lo; lessons on guitar, with use of in- 
strument, per quarter, $10; extra practice on either 
of the above, per month, $1 ; class lessons in vocal 
music, per quarter, %3 ; private lessons in vocal mu- 
sic, per quarter, >^\0; lessons in drawing, per quar- 
ter, ^i; lessons in painting (water colors), per 
ipiarter, §o ; lessons in oil i)ainting, per quarter, 
>?10; lessons in embroidery and tapestry, per quar- 
ter. 13; ten lessons in lace or wax work, two hours 
each, |>5 ; twenty lessons in liair flowers, two hours 
each, ^4; lessons in hair jewehy, according to stjde 
of work. Books furnished at current rates. A 
view of the Academj' is given in this work. 



St. Joseph Convent aucl Hospital. 




i)HE Sisters of the Humility of Mary came to 
Ottumwa in August, 1S77, at the request of 
Rev. J. Kreckel. Thej' devote their time to 
teaching, caring for the sick and providing fur tlic 
homeless orphans. They purchased their beautiful 
home on Court street the year of their arrival in 
Ottumwa. In this they were liberally assisted by 
Mrs. Maiy Tally, a l)enevolent lady, who afterward 
made her home with them until her death. This 
home is at i^resent the Mother House of the Sisters 
in Iowa. 

In 1880 the}- built a hospital at a cost of about 
84,000, and for a short time cared f(jr the insane of 
the couut\', until the County Poor-house was com- 
pleted. Last year the hospital was temporarily 
closed. Within the last six years they have cared 
for more than forty orphans, until they could se- 
cure for them respectable homes, and at present 
are supporting quite a numl)ei' without any cost to 
the public. They hope in the near future to have 
a regularly established Orphan's Home. 

The Sisters act as teachers in St. .Joseph's Scliool. 
for boys, and also have schools in Marshalltown and 
Ft. Madison. A view of St. .Joseph's Convent in 
given in this volume. 



i 



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Agrency City. 



OENCY CITY is situated upon section 36, 
township 72, range 13 west, of the 5th i 
principal meridian. As stated in the arti- ' 
^ cle on the early settlement of the county. ! 

;ui Indian Agenc}" was established at this point in 
1838. Out of this agency grew the present village, | 



the first settlers being those employed at the 
agency. As soon as the country was thrown open 
for settlement, it was determined to locate a town 
at this point. A post-office was established here in 
1843 with Shapheth Dnire as Postmaster. Mr. 
Dwire was the first merchant in the place. It was 
incorporated .as a village in IS.")!). 

Tlie town is bcautifidly located on a high, level 



KJtiintm 



"^^^ 





»llJL mJLMA JI 








•JiifU'" 



586 



WAPELLO COU^NTY. 



U 



tract of land, and while it has never attained a re- 
markable size, it is, nevertheless, a pleasant place 
in which to live, and numbers among its citizens 
some of the best jieoplc in Wapello County. The 
growth of the place was somewhat slow until the 
completion here of the railroad in 1859, and it be- 
ing the terminus for quite awhile, made business 
quite lively. Its i)opulation has fluctuated some- 
what, it iiuinliering at the last census, in 1885, but 
514 persons, a falling off of 1 44 since 1875, when it 
had (358 inhabitants. 

The vill.age is well represented by tiie various 
lines of trade, and its business men seem to be do- 
ing a fair business. The public schools rank among 
the liest in the eounty, and are a matter of pride 
among its citizens. Religiously the village is repre- 
sented 1)3' the Baptists and Methodist Episcopals, the 
latter being one of the first organized in the county. 
Rev. Thomas Kirkpatrick organized the society. 
The Cougregationalists for some years maintained 
an organization here, which was set in niutiou liy 
Rev. B. A. .'^paulding. It has long since ceased to 
e.xist. The Presbyterians had an organization here 
some 3'ears ago, but which has ceased to exist. The 
benevolent orders are represented by the Odd Fel- 
lows, ^Masons and Knights of Pythias, each of 
which maintains a good lodge, and are working for 
liunKinity in the way which seems to them best. 

£l(l<)ii. 



§)IIE vilLage of Eldon wa.^ originally- laid out 




m 
m 



in 1870, though quite a settlement was made 
previous to that time. A flag station was 
established here in 185!) on the completion of the 
Keokuk & Ues Moines Railroad, known as Ashland 
Crossing, and afterward Williamsburg. When the 
Southwestern division of tlie Chicago, Rock Island 
& Pacific Railroad was completed to this point 
there was no doubt but a thriving town could here 
be located, accordinglj- O. Baldwin, of Keokuk, was 
employed by the proprietors, Judge J. M. Love, 
Col. George (Jillasp^', Hon. Edward Johnston, Col. 
William Leighton and George Williams, to survey 
and plat the town. It is located on section 27, 
township 71, range 12. in the civil township of 
AVashington. 



Shortly after the town was surveyed a post-office 
was established here, with E. I. Cummings as Post- 
master. Tile present Postmaster is William Hus- 
ton. The town is very jileasantly located, and is 
surrounded by a rich agricultural country, which is 
underlaid with rieii coal deposits. For a time after 
it was laid out it grew quite rapidly, having a pop- 
ulation in 1*^72 sufiicient to entitle it to incorpora- 
tion. I). K. Taylor was elected its first Mayor. 

\Vhen the C, R. I. ct P. Railway Company' ob- 
tained control of the K. iV- D. M. Railroad, the^' 
decided to locate here a round-house and repair 
shops. This brought in a large number of men and 
greath' added to the population of the place, mak- 
ing it emphatically a railroad town. 

As regards its schools. Eldon has no cause to be 
ashamed of what has been done, its school privi- 
leges being excelled by few towns of its size in the 
State. In religion it is represented iiy several of 
the denominations who guard the moral tone of the 
town. The benevolent societies are also well rep- 
resented, the Odd Fellows taking the lead of the 
purely Ijenevolcnt. The railroad men are well or- 
ganized and guard closely their interest as laboring 
men. 

Two new,--i);ipers are published here, the Eldon 
Jieolen- and the Deg Moines VnJIci/ Jauriml , which 
do much toward advancing the interests of the 
place. These papers have proper mention else- 
where in this Volume under the head of "The Press.'' 
Other newspaper ventures have been started here, 
these two being the "survival of the fittest." 

The village of Eldon had :i [M.puhition in 1885 
of 1,288, which has been increased somewhat, be- 
ing now estimated .at 1,500. The business of the 
place is good, and its merchants an enterprising set 
of men. The Eldon Mineral Siirinas briuK the Ss 

nr 

town into notice quite extensively throughout the 
Union. With a good countr}' tributary to it, and 
with the i^atronage of the railroad company', Eldon 
should be a prosperous town. 



Kdd.vviU*-. 

^*^^HIS is one of the oldest towns in tiie county, j \ \ 
///^i=js jj„fj jj^ situated on the left bank of the Des 
Moines River, on section (5, in Columbia 
Townshij). The flr.st settlement made here w.as by 




T3HS33SI 



3333HHHH^^S 



\'S3BSS 



^ 



as 



WAPELLO COUNTY. 



587 



J. P. Eddj-, an Indian trader, from whom the place 
derives its name. Mr. Edd}' came here in 1841, 
some two j'ears before the Indian title became ex- 
tinct, and on obtaining possession of the conntry, 
the Government permitted him to enter an entire 
section of land. .Selecting section 6, townshiiJ 73, 
range 1 5, he laid off 1 60 acres of it for the town. A 
post-otlice was soon afterward established here with 
Mr. Eddy as Postmaster. He oi)ened a stock of 
goods here, more snited to the wants of the whites 

qa than he had been keeping, and was the first engaged 
in the regular trade. He also built the lirst school- 
house in the place, which was used for all juirposes, 
religious as well as educational. >Ir. Eddy only 
remained in the place until sometime in 1844, when 
he sold out and moved to St. Louis, where he has 
since died. 

E. D. Eish purchased the stock of Mr. Eddj" and 

■\\i^ continued business for some j'ears. Richard 
liutiher, who is yet an honored citizen of the place, 
in 1840, in company with William Cox, commenced 
business in the place. He is still in the general 
merchandise trade. 

The town gradually increased in numbers and 
wealth for some years. Everj- branch of trade was 
soon represented. Martin Tucker was the pioneer 
iiotel man. Dr. Ross the pioneer i)hysician, lo- 
cating here in 1 843, and followed in a ^ear or two 
bj- Dr. Eish and Dr. Nosier. J. W. Caldwell and 
J. T. Wiley were the first blacksmiths. Joseph 
Perry the first wagon-maker. John M. Eish kept 
the first regular lumber-yard. J. M. McNamee 
ran a pottery from 1847 till 18.J7. James Brady 
erected a woolen-mill in 1851. A plow manufac- 
tory was established in 1856 by Thurbaugh & 
Phillips. The first child born was George, son of 
Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Caldwell. Their daughter, 
Clara, was-the first to die in the new settlement. 

As the population of the i)l.ace increased and 
l)usiness became active a newspaper was considered 
a necessitj\ Aceordingl}' in 1853, J. W. Norris 
commenced the publication of the Eddyville Free 
Press. Other papers succeeded this, and the 
village has seldom been without its local paper; 
though at present, in the winter of 1886-87, it has 
none. 

It was incorporated as a village in 1857. The 



completion here of the K. & D. M. Railroad added 
an impetus to tlie trade of the place, and increased 
its population considerably. About 1860 the 
population was estimated at 2,500 inhabitants, and 
the town presented quite a metropolitan appear- 
ance. For some time the merchants of Oskaloosa, 
Mahaska County, were comjielled to haul their 
goods from this point. Its proximity to other 
larger towns having greater advantages, has operated 
against Eddyville, so that it now numbers but about 
1 ,000 inhabitants, though considerable trade is yet 
carried on, quite a large scope of country being 
tributar}' to it. 

The moral influence (jf the place is good, there 
being representatives of various religious denomin- 
ations, including Baptists, Christians, Congrega- 
tionalists. Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians and 
^Methodists. The houses of worship will compare 
favorablj' with other places of its size. 

The educational interests are carefully guarded, 
and the public sch(jols are numbered among the 
best. At present they are under the charge of 
Prof. J. J. Thonips(_)n, who has had control for two 
years. The Professor is a good disciplinarian, a 
fine scholar, and takes pride in his work. He is 
assisted by six teachers. The enrollment is 330. 

The secret and benevolent societies are repre- 
sented by the Masons, Odd Fellows, United Work- 
men, and theG. A. R., each of which is flourishing, 
and in its special field is working for good. 

The manufacturing interests of the place have 
been suffered to decline, which accounts somewhat 
for the declini' in j)o|)ulation and wealth of thr 
place. 

One of the most noted <ibjects of interest in the 
place is the monument erected in 1866, to the 
memory of its fallen soldiers, thus inculcating 
patriotism in the rising generation. 

CliiUicotlie. 

j^^HIS village is situated on the right bank of 
:fv^\ the Des Moines River, on section 36, town- 
'\^^ ship 73, range 15, the civil township of 
Cass. The C, B. & (j. R. R. passes tluough the 
place. It was laid out in 184'.t, by A. J. Wicker, 
and the first house erected on the village phit wa> 




». ■'. M 



|f.Jl»l» Mjf 






Si.ix 







588 



irrrm tstrTzrxrz[C 

WAPELLO COUNTY. 



titrarxunnixT;- t^^ 



for the residence of Rev. A. .J. Pierce, a Methodist 
Ki)isci»pal minister. A Metliodist K[)iseopaI class 
had l)een organized heretiie |ireviiius year, and .Mr. 
AViclver being of that denomination, determined 
tliat the cause should be lirinly planted here. A 
house (jf worship was soon aflerwai'd erected. 

The i)ost-otHee was established in iXV,), with 
A. .1. Wiciver as Postmaster. lie was succeeded by 
\y. A. Nye, and lie in turn liy \. I'o-ton, .1. .T. KUi- 
-'in, .1. (i. Ilenshaw, .S. P. lleacock and I'". .M. Hnsh. 

Its proximity to Ottumwa, tiie county' scat, has 
operated against tiie growth of tiie village, so that 
it numbers to-day but about 2ij0 inhabitants, 
tliough the various branches of trade aie pretty 
well represented. The village is a great con- 
venience to citizens of Cass Township, and that 
ijlj section of country upon the south and west side of i 
the river tributary to it. Peter Young opejied the 
first store. ! 

Kiikvilh-. 




11 




r;HEN .lohn Kir!'; settled in Kicldand Town- 
ship, he determined to locate iiere a village, 
and accordingly iiad surveyed a [lortion of 
his claim, on sections 7 awl x. townshi|j I'.i, range 
14. I'ntil the development «)f the coal mines in 
the neighborhood the town grew but slowly, al- 
though considerable trade was carried on. Since 
these mines were developed and the completion 
here of the Ottumw.i & Kirkvillc Kaiirond, a thriv- 
ing village has sprung up, presenting the best ajj- 
pearance of any mining town in the ct)untry, and 
with i\ jjopulation of 1,000 inhabitants. The prin- 
cipal business of the place is done by the Kirkville 
.Supply Company and I. E. Page. 

Tiie educational interests of the i)lacc are well 
maintained, the schools ranking wilii those of any 
town of its size. The religious interests are 
guarded by the Methodist Ejiiscopal and Presby- 
terian denominati<jns. The former society was or- 
ganized by Kev. Thomas Kirkpatrick, aI)ont 1 844. 



and erected its first house of worship in Iis,)2-i).'5. 
Its present church edifice was erected in ISTO. and 
dedicate<l in September of tliat year. The I'j-obv- 
terian congregation was organized at IvldyvilU- in 
IS.'jO, and transferred to Kirkvillc in l.s.'il. i'licir 
[H'csent chnrcli edifice was erected and (ledir:ilcd in 
February, 1870. Its cost was $4,700. 

Kirkville is a growing town, and is surrounded 
by a ricii agricultural region, with an inexhaustible 
snpjjly of coal. Here are located the mines of the 
Wapello Coal Com|>any, in which arc employed 4r)0 
men, and who mine an average of I'OO tons of co.il ; 
l)er day. The wages paid men are from s2 U> *i4 
per day, an average of ^'2.')0 per day. 

Bliikesbiiij;. 

\l| N 18.")2 r. ISlake had laid out upon section 7. 
I township 71, range ITj, in the civil township of 
/1\ Adams, to which he gave the name of Blakes- 
bnrg. Four j^ears after the town w.as laid out it 
contained a population of al)out oOO inhabitants, 
but on account of the liuilding of railroads upon 
every side, but never to the place, many persons 
removed to more favored localities, so that its 
population was reduced to about 200, at which fig- 
ure it remained for man^- jears. In the fall of 
188G the C, M. tt St. P. R. R. was built through 
the place, and the prospects are now that it will 
once more take on its old-timed activity-. The vil- 
lage is situated upon a high, rolling prairie, adjoin- 
ing a heavy body of woodl.ind, and in the vicinity 
there is an abundance of coal. The land in the vi- 
cinity is very fertile, and the beauty of the scenery 
is unsurpassed. In December, 1886, there were 
4 general stores, 1 drug-store, 2 hotels, 2 black- 
smith-shops, 1 pottery, 1 wagon-shoi), 2 meat-mar- 
kets, 1 graded school, 2 churches, Methodist Epis- 
coi)al and Bajitist. The citizens of the village and 
vicinity donated ?i2,500 for depot purposes to the 
C. M. &. St. P. R. R. 



1^^ 





BI0G]^p©l7l(9plj. 



Abraham, Nels 311 

Adams, James 180 

Adams, John 23 

Adams, John Quincy 39 

Anson, W. J 478 

Arenschild, E- M., M. D....324 

Armstrong, W. ]i 428 

Arnold, Paul 390 

Arthur, Chester A gg 



Bach man, F. L 492 

Haker. 1,. J 404 

liaker, L. T 493 

Kallingall, Col. P. G.. ..363 

Pane, (ieorge 440 

liarkcr, J. N 450 

Parritt, Thomas H 331 

Kastian, W. J 419 

P>auni, Michael 333 

iieaman, L>. C 528 

Heaman, G. C 549 

P.ell, A. W 317 

Bilby, Amos O 341 

Plackman , {_! . W 322 

Plake. Charles K..... 771 

Plake, J. I' 326 

Blake, T 343 

Blystone, S ....331 

Boulton, P. J 344 

BouUon, George W 369 

Piox, Dr. James J 337 

Hridenstine, Peter 32S 

Hriggs, Ansel iii 

Brown, Thomas 305 

Prownfield, Dr. Wm 334 

Bryant, A. J 438 

Pnchanan, James. 75 

Buchanan, Samuel 351 



Burgess, Hon. J. R.., 496 

Burlcy, James 325 

Biirnham, Rev- S. L 538 

Burns, A. R. 521 

Burns, John C 334 

Burton, David ■. 2y9 

Burton, F.. L 174 

Burton, Samuel H 430 

Busli, Samuel 313 

Piilcher, Richard 336 



Cain, A. N 335 

Caldwell, Paris 241 

Caldwell, Samuel T 288 

Campbell, Lafayette 514 

Capell, George F 291 

Carl, Daniel..... 358 

Carnes, J. 1' 353 

Carpenter, Cyrus Clay 139 

Carver, J . H 539 

Carver, S. A . W 425 

Chamberlin, L. A 255 

Chambers, Wm. F. 495 

Clark, A. W 399 

Cleveland, S. Grover ■..103 

Cloutman, C. C 444 

Cloyd, Wm. 518 

Cobler, Lewis 194 

Cockerill, S. S... 503 

Coen, W. S 389 

Cole, T. E 328 

Cole, Wm 3>» 

Comstock. A. B 449 

Conwell, Albert 323 

Conwel], Mrs. C G 434 

Cornell, Seneca 303 

Cowan, George 2 414 

Cowner, G. M . , .M D 345 

Cowley, Wm 365 

Cramer, Maj. S. K 457 

Creamer, A- J 327 

Crider, J. J.. 189 



Crips, S. P 436 

Crips, Wm. H 460 

Crips. W. S 384 

Croddy, C 433 

Cross, W. H 367 

Crosson, A 302 

Crow, W. Ci 394 



D 



Danguard, A 275 

Darrow, M . S 394 

Davis, J- N 263 

Dennis, C 262 

Tlennison, Daniel . . 253 

l*erby, C. W 254 

I.iickens, H 277 

Dickens, T. M 517 

Dickins, G. W 539 

Dimmitt, Wm. M 266 

L>ornsife, Henry 191 

Dudley, Hon. Charles 246 

Duncan, H. J 194 

Dung.nn, Frank 196 




E 



Easley, Daniel 316 

Egan, Capt. T. 178 

Elder, J. M 447 

Eller, E. L 243 

Eller, Harvey 295 

Ely. Ben E. S 415 

Emery, D. H 456 

Ennis, 1. H 407 

Epperson, F. M 244 

Evans, S. B 408 

Eyre, Thomas 5=3 



1:1 



Farmer, W. H 287 

Fausnaugh, E. M 243 

Fawcett, Hon. Eugene 316 

Fellows, Robert 173 

Ferree, J. D 510 

Fillmore, Millard... 67 L'- 

Fisher, John C 443 | 

Flagler, Samuel A 470 

Foster, Caleb 

Foster, D. T 

Foster, W. F 254 

Francis, Peter 501 

Fritz, B 27r. 

Fullen, John 47'i 



^m 



Lpi^ 



G 



Garfield, James A 95 

Gear, John H 147 

(iephart, David 296 

Gibbs, R. M 272 

Gibson, James ....283 

Gift, Wm 4S6 

Gilchrist, R. S 439 

Giltner, Wm- H 542 

Godley, L. M 468 

Goodall, Thomas 397 

Graham, J. H 365 

Grant, Ulysses S 87 

Graves. A. L 286 

Graves. D- W 458 

Graves, H. P 433 

(irimes, James 119 

Griswold, George 192 

G uggerty . L 176 



11, 



m 



aas 



m 



I' AJUTT"* «"*"' " r 1 1 T 



I k'^SWITi 'ijxiirnrurrxniniiiirjt-n 



USIU 1 1 (JLtUI 



590 



INDEX. 



'I 






i 



ii 



p 






m 



H 



Hackworth, (Icorgc U 385 

Hall, Charles 379 

Hall, Nels 188 

Hall, T. J 54* 

Hamilion, Maj. A. H 427 

Harden, John 347 

Har«lesly, 'riiomas 423 

Hardy, D. 1 5'7 

Harkins, W. W 477 

Harlan, John I' 465 

Harlcn, Charles 186 

Harman, K. J 3'= 

Harman, J. L 4^9 

Harness, F 435 

Harness, John 5°' 

Harrison, \Vm. H.. 5' 

Harrow, Charles K 493 

Hatch, James H 307 

Hawley, James 420 

Hawthorn, Mrs. Mary J 217 

Hayes, Rntherford P. 91 

Heckart, C. -SS" 

Heckart, Jonathan 274 

Heckart, M 271 

Hedrick, John Morrow 307 

Helman, J. H. 439 

Hempstead, Stephen 115 

llendershott. Judge H. B. .183 

Hicks, A. J 508 

Hill, J. B 477 

Hinsey, J C 483 

Hirst, Wni 204 

Hobbs, Wm 189 

Hokason, M. K 278 

Hollingsworth, James W... .327 

Hoilingsworlh, J. 1' 336 

Hollingsworth, T ■ W 267 

Horen, Philip 257 

Houdyshell, A. J 530 

Houghland, J. E 264 

Howard/ J- r. ., Jr 415 

Hughes, H. M 275 

Hull, J. M 282 

Humbert, H. C 268 

Huston, R. W 501 



Israel, M C 256 

Ives, H. D 374 



Jackson, Andrew 43 

Jaqucs, \V. H. C 426 

Jay, Job P S06 

Jert'erson, Thomas 27 



Jeffries, Paul C 535 

Jenison,A. A 274 

Jenkins, A.J 532 

Jennings, H.C 395 

Johnson, .\. F 346 

Johnson, Andrew 83 

Johnson, John 485 

Johnston, Edward 258 

Jones, E.^A 404 

Jones, Evan 498 

Jones, Joshua B 540 

Jones, J. W 335 

Jones, O M 267 

Jones, Wm. E 474 

Jones, Wm. R 525 

Jordan, James H 175 

Jordan, W. A 398 



K 



Kelsey, !■' . M 294 

Kennedy, Willson 315 

Kent, E. S 384 

Kielkopf, John 285 

King, Cyrus D 2S4 

King, W. M 511 

Kirk, M.L 413 

Kirkpatrick, John 434 

Kirkpatrick, M... 522 

Kirkpatrick, S 527 

Kirkwood, Samuel J 127 

Kisinger, James 505 

Kitherman, Elias 487 

Knox, Leonard 355 

Kreckel, Rev. John.. 401 

Kroiit, Dr. Jacob 11 332 



Lafferty, Thomas J 386 

LafoUette, John H 400 

LaForce, D. A 550 

LaForce, James W 1529 

Lane, M . M 292 

Langford, J. E 314 

Larrabee, Wm 155 

Lathrop, Dr. E. L 445 

Layne, Mrs- Frances 291 

Layne. J. T 315 

Layne, T. J 510 

Leellng, Sebastian 265 

Leighton, Joseph 459 

Lentner, G- M 380L 

Lentner, H. I.... 303 

Lewis, Alvin i6i 

Lewis, Dr. C. G 345 

Lewis. J. F 552 

Lewis. W. H 466 

Lilbiirn, Samuel 513 

Lincoln, Abraham 79 

Lober, John 252 

Lockwood» Dr. Joseph 396 



Lotspeich, .A 530 

Lowe, Ralph P 123 

Lyman, W. S 414 



M 



Madison, Hon. G A 197 

Madison, James 31 

Major, J. A .....247 

Manro, Geo W 509 

Marshall, Joshua 512 

Martin, Alexander 546 

Maxon, J. B 533 

McAdams, James 242 

McCarty, John 225 

McCleland. J. S 533 

McCleland, W. L 522 

McClung, J. C 224 

McClure, James 365 

McCormick, Robert 297 

McCormick, Wm 487 

McCiilIough, S. C 424 

McDill, Thomas W 543 

McElroy, E. E 380 

McGlothlen, Thomas D .218 

Mclniire. W. A 388 

McKechnie. Dr. Neil 446 

McKinney, Charles E 185 

McKinney, Lizzie R 185 

McLain, W. S 406 

McMillin, E 248 

McMiiIlin, James 236 

McNett, W'm 303 

M click. A 377 

Mendenhall. 1 / 4»o 

Merrill, Samuel 135 

Metzger, Frederick 296 

Meyers, Chris 497 

Michael, D. H 231 

Mick, Charles 544 

Miller, D. T 389 

Miller, J. L 354 

Miller, John W 370 

Miller, O. L 480 

Millisack, Jacob 187 

Mitchel, Dr. S. R 238 

Mix, Wm. H 357 

Monroe, James 35 

Moore, E. W 446 

Moore. W. R 318 

Moriarty, Egan & Co 533 

Moriariy, E 185 

Mulford, Lewis 454 

Murray, John M 367 

Myers, G- F 494 

Myers, J- R 352 

Myers, L. A 201 

Myers, Reuben. 419. 



N 



Nelson, Peter 235 

Newbold, Joshua G 143 

Newell, L. F 223 

Xeylon, James .473 



I 



Nichols, J. W 252 

Nicklin, C W 230 

Nimocks, Ruel 545 

Norris, George P ...198 

Norris, J. W 305 

Norris, Samuel S 464 

Nye. Wm- A 436 



o 



O'lirien, Moses 516 

Gden, Rev. M. P 542 

OIney, Dr. A.C 237 

O'Neill. Dr. S. E 463 

Ostdeick, t; - .. .292 

Overman, P. T 448 



Padden, John J 545 

Page. 1. E 348 

Page, L. H 307 

Page, Wm . .396 

Peck. J. M., Sr 190 

Perdue, J. T 326 

,Peters, H. C 338 

Peterson, Jacob 527 

Phelps, A. B 211 

Phillips, Ira 312 

Pickler. J. R 288 

Pierce, Franklin 71 

Pierce, S. D 213 

Polk, James K 59 

Pomeroy, (irimes 368 

Pratt, Vactor 455 

Prescoti, Nathaniel 227 

Prosser, C . H 191 

Prosser. J. C 537 

Pumroy, Capt. John. 376 

Pyle, Dr. E. C 232 



R 



RaiNback. D 378 

Randall, Samuel 356 

Randcl, B 383 

Rayl, Samuel 187 

Ream, Peter 233 

Reed, Benj , 416 

Rees, Benj. L 297 

Rees, J. P 410 

Reesman, James 366 

Reinhard. F. I S36 

Rcinhard, H 520 

Rheem, Prof. J H 484 

Riggs, A. W 229 

Riggs, I. S 225 

Riggi, J- M 298 

Riley, George, Jr 306 

Riordan. P. H 304 




thPFkI^ 




ft^Mgga 







INDEX. 




[Riordan, '1' 337 

Kitz, R 37g 

Robertson, Wm 263 

Kobinson, Rev. A 489 

f^ogers, I . N 230 

iRosser, R. D 25S 

ubel, M. F, . S ••495 

upe, John M 245 

upe, L. Z, 507 

iish, James 504 



age. Dr. E. H ,..,,.. ._ 347 

ige. E. T 386 

;:hick, Charles J 519 

chlageier, U 409 

cott, A. Z 207 

cott, B. W 374 

edore, Jacob 203 

cifert, .Andrew 406 

hatiford, Wm 385 

harp, G. E 405 

harp, W. P 375 

: J^haug, l-^r. liennet S 202 

hears, 'I'. F, 302 

herman, Buren R.. 151 

hieldb, Isaac 227 

mmons, Rev.J.'i' 54Z" 

oan, Joseph 345 



Smith. J. J 387 

Somers, E. I> 552 

Spilman, S. A., M , D 179 

Spilman. T ■ P 491 

Sprague, M. H 223 

Springer, J. M 184 

Spurlock, Wm. N . B 242 

Stark, Miss A.M.. M. D 458 

Steck, A. C 523 

Stocker, Conrad 234 

Stone, William M 131 

Stuari, L. T 524 

Sutton, Richard B 352 

Swope, J ■ M 373 

Sword, 1' ho mas 207 



T 



Taylor,!" C 208 

Taylor, Zachary 63 

Terrel, T 420 

Teter, Rev. I. P 536 

I'homas, Benj 226 

Thomas, G. W 256 

Thompson, T. J 205 

'l"hompson, W. T 475 

Thorn burg, I,. W 468 

Thrall, S P, ., . 467 

Tindell, R- H 489 

Toothakcr, Thomas 233 

Torre nee, i. . P 245 



Turner, L. ti 205 

Tyler, John 55 

u 

Udel!. Dr. C- N 228 

Ulrey, Edward 541 

Utecht, Peter 341 



Van Biiren, Martin 47 

Vannoy, A. W 208 

VanWinkle, J. H 229 

Vogel.E. B ..246 






G/ X.^" 



PZ^'- i V — -. 



w 



Wadding ton. Wm ... .«;o6 

W'agner. J- A 313 

Ward, Francis T. 551 

Warden, Dr.C C 348 

Warden, R. H 177 

Warren, Silas 206 

Washington, George 19 

Wellman, John W 504 

West, R 348 

Wheaton, W. M 293 

Whipple, A. It 448 



^--^t^>C 



Whitaker, 1. B.. M. I>. , 476 

White, Page 214 

Wifeat, Wm 216 

Wjlcox, John 214 

Williamson, Dr. J 

Wilson, Henry 453 

Wilson, P. S 287 

Wilson, S. G... 216 

Wilson, Wm 282 

Winn, J. M 543 

Wolf, B. I) 417 

Wolf, E. G 322 

Wolf, John S 281 

Wood, Dr. .Andrew 321 

Workman, J . W 437 

Work, W. A 475 

Wright, E. H 278 

Wyatt, E. S 204 



Young, Israel 
Young, Jehu. 



Zent.^, Israel... 
Zollars, Daniel- 
Zulauf, Henry. 



WWEMI 



m^"^ 



K>^-@r ^ 



3,^^ — \B^^ 



^^ ^^:^;-o 



.Vdains, J oh n 22 

-Adams, John (Juincy 38 

-Arthur, Chester A 98 

iBallingall, P. G 360 

[Bilby, .Amos O 340 

lilake, Charles F 170 

iBriggs, -Ansel no 

uchanan, James 74 

aldwcll, Paris 240 

arpenter, Cyrus Clay 138 

[("leveland, S. tlrover 102 

Fillmore, Millard 66 

Fisher, John C 442 

Fisher, M rs. Sarah V. 442 

arfield, James A 04 



Gear, John H 146 

Grant, Ulysses S 86 

Grimes, James W 118 

Hardesty, Thomas 422 

Harrison, Wm- H 50 

Hayes, Rutherford B 90 

Hendershott, H. U 182 

Hempstead, Stephen 114 

Hinsey, F^r. J. E 482 

Jackson, -Andrew 42 

Jefferson, Thomas 26 

Johnson, .Andrew 82 

Kirkwood, Samuel J 120 

Kreckc!, Rev. J 402 

I.arrabee, W illi;iin 154 



-ittJZCr©^^- 



Lewis, -Alvjn 260 

Lewis, Mrs. Lucinda 260 

Lincoln, Abraham 78 

Lowe, Ralph P 122 

Madison, James .^o 

Mc-Adams, James 240 

McCullough, Dr. C 422 

Merrill, Samuel 134 

Myers, L. A .200 

Myers, Mrs-L. .A aoo 

Monroe, James 34 

Newbold, Joshua G 142 

Xewell, L. F aao 

O'Neill, S, E 462 

Phillips. Mrs. M. J 3ei 



•^.S/ZrZTT^t* 



Pierce, Franklin 70 

Polk, James K.. 58 

Randel, Benjamin 382 

Sherman, Buren R 150 

Stone, William N 130 

Taylor, Zachary 62 

Tyler, John 54 

Utecht, Peter 340 

Van Buren, Martin 46 

Washington, George 18 

Wolf. John S z8o 

Wood, Andrew I> 320 

Young, Israel 300 

Young, Mrs. Catharine 300 




u. 



Ml 

ii 



m 
im 
im 



fiTTmrmxi 



I t T -t>I T JT Cir 



1 jk- 




m 







■>92 



INDEX. 




^ <xr o 



Academy of Visitation 550 

IJachman, F. 1 329 

Haker. L- T 371 

IliirUer, J. N 349 

Capell, (ieorge V 28g 

Church of the Visitation 40c 

C-hiirch, Swedish Kvangelical.269 

fobler, David 309 

frotldy, Ch.-istopher... 432 



Dickins, George W 210 

Dornsife, Henry 411 

Gephart, r)avid 289 

Gift, Wm 457 

Graves, A. 1 249 

Harlen, Charles 457 

Jenkins, A . J 391 

Johnson, A. F 329 

King, W. A 349 



Lanfiford, J - K 329 

Lockwood, Dr. Joseph 289 

Manro, George W 457 

Metzger, Fred 309 

Moore, E. W 309 

Myers, L. A 411 

Newell, L. F 221 

Phelps, A. B 210 

Pickler. J. R 432 




Randel, Benjamin 371 

Re in hard, Henry 411 

Sedore, Jacob 249 • 

St. Joseph's Convent and 

Hospital. 269 

St. Patrick's Church 550 ht. 

Terrel, Timothy 349 3,! 

Tindell. R. H 391 : i 

Wilson, P. S 391 : 

Wilson, Wm 249 S 






^^1^ HISTPMI^ 




INTKODrClOKV 

KAKLY SKTTl.KMKN'l' 

olKiANlZATlOX 

(WiOWni AM) l)K\KI.()I' 
AIKNI" 

WAR 1-()U 11 lie IMON 

MKDK'AI- I'HOKKSSION 

■nil'. I'liicss 

( >ttiiiii\v;i C'liiirior 
( )tliiiM\VM Dciiiocrat 



.'..").•{ 


-«• ;=; — i^t^^ — '5= 
Saturday l'ii'.-i.< 




•iTl 


.Maiuifaetiiriiij^- 






582 


- - _ 


.lounial and Frie 1' 


ress 


.•|7I 


Miseellaiieons 






582 




J)es Moine.s Valley 


Join 


- 


St. Joseph's Ci)i)veiit 


an 


d 


.>o / 


nal 




.")72 


Hospital 






585 




Industrial Appeal. 




072 


Academy of \' 


sitatidii 


583 




KIdoii Review 
( )tliei- Papers 
UAILUUADS 




572 
572 
574 


V1L1.A(4KS 

Agency City 
Kldon 






585 
585 
586 


507 


CITY OFOTTUMVVA 




577 


ivldyville 






586 


;■)(;!) 


Kducational 




579 


Chiliicothe 






587 


.")(■>!) 


I\elii>iull.s 




580 


Kiikville 






588 


:,7o 


Sdcieties 




5H1 


Blakesburg- 






688 








l/'r'^!rJr{M 



TTri«fT^n xrt>J ixilxjtxi» i z x xjlz.x x x 11 1111111 1 i^ 



t^rJrJHH 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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